TennisheadLatest news from tennisheaden-gbno-reply@tennishead.netCopyright 2018On TourKasatkina ousts Kontahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/21/kasatkina-ousts-konta
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/21/kasatkina-ousts-kontaThe Russian appeared certain to slip to a frustrating defeat after squandering numerous break-point chances, however she saved two match-points in a second set tiebreak before mounting a stunning comeback.

It was a lengthy and dramatic affair that finished just shy of midnight local time, and Kasatkina has little time to recover before encountering her compatriot Elena Vesnina on Thursday.

Konta accepted a wildcard into the tournament in an effort to get some much-needed match-time, but her stay in Dubai has been cut short. It was yet another scratchy performance from the 26-year-old – and uncharacteristic unforced-errors continue to plague her game.

The British No.1 made an eye-watering 65 mistakes against her second round opponent, and even her trusty backhand showed signs of frailty.

Kasatkina, who ended Caroline Wozniacki’s winning streak in St. Petersburg earlier this month, was left frustrated in the first set due to her inability to convert her chances.

The 20-year-old had ample opportunities to move a break of serve ahead - seven in total - but she failed to seize the initiative. Konta had remained resolute under pressure, and she achieved a 4-3 advantage when her opponent nudged an attempted backhand passing-shot into the tramlines.

Kasatkina could scarcely believe she had slipped a break behind after so much good work, and she was unable to muster a response as the Brit snatched the first set.

The second set ebbed and flowed, but a tiebreak was required to settle the outcome. Konta’s serve helped her carve open two match-points, but her backhand misfired when she needed it most.

Kasatkina had battled back from the brink of defeat, and she converted her first set-point after a breathless exchange. A piercing backhand winner down the line was initially called out, but Hawk-eye came to the Russian's aid.

Konta took a lengthy bathroom break before the third set commenced, but she was unable to stay with her on-song opponent. The Brit picked up just two more games as her time in Dubai came to an unsatisfactory end.

Earlier in the day, there were victories for Elena Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, Karolina Pliskova, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Garcia.

]]>Wed, 21 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Garcia advances in Dubaihttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/20/garcia-advances-in-dubai
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/20/garcia-advances-in-dubaiThe French No.1 enjoyed a comprehensive 6-3 7-5 success over former Top 10 player, Lucie Safarova, to progress into the second round.

Her reward is a meeting with Ekaterina Makarova, who she defeated in straight sets en route to the Wuhan title last October.

"I'm definitely very happy with the win and relieved to get through in two sets because I was up and had a bad game," admitted Garcia. "She [Safarova] kept believing and fighting, so I'm really happy to be in the second round because she's always a tough player."

Also in first round action, Angelique Kerber breezed past Barbora Strycova 6-2 6-1 in just 59 minutes. It’s the German’s 13th win of a busy and productive opening to 2018, and she will challenge Sara Errani next.

The Italian, a former champion in Dubai, dismissed Lesia Tsurenko 6-4 6-3.

"I think I played a good solid match,” explained Kerber. “It's always tough to play against her [Strycova]. You never know what will happen. She's always a fighter, but I'm happy to have won the match in two sets."

There were also victories for Catherine Bellis, Carla Suarez Navarro, Qiang Wang and Anett Kontaveit.

The top four seeds, Elina Svitolina, Garbine Muguruza, Karolina Pliskova and Jelena Ostapenko, will all take to the court for the first time on Wednesday.

Petra Kvitova, who triumphed in Doha last week, has withdrawn from the tournament.

]]>Tue, 20 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Federer eases to Rotterdam titlehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/18/federer-eases-to-rotterdam-title
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/18/federer-eases-to-rotterdam-titleThe 36-year-old, who will return to world No.1 for the first time since November 2012 on Monday, enjoyed an emphatic 6-2 6-2 win over Grigor Dimitrov in just 55 minutes.

It’s the 97th time Federer has entered the winner’s circle during his illustrious career - and it looks increasingly likely that a 100th triumph will be celebrated before the end of the year.

Dimitrov had been animated and motivated throughout the tournament, however he was subdued in the final. His confidence quickly eroded after a bright opening, and he remains no closer to scoring a first ever victory over the Swiss magician.

"It's definitely one of those weeks I will never forget in my life," said the three-time champion. "It's unbelievable to get my 97th title and get back to World No.1. It's very special.

"I was expecting it to be tough today. Grigor is a great player and a great athlete and he's been playing super well in recent months. I thought that this wasn't going to be the result, but he looked to be struggling a bit and I never looked back.”

Federer banks 500 ranking points for his endeavours in Holland, and he is guaranteed to keep hold of the No.1 ranking for at least another four weeks.

There remains a possibility the Swiss may play Dubai later this month in an attempt to strengthen his grip on top spot, but he will certainly be involved in the action at the first Masters event of the year in Indian Wells.

Elsewhere on a busy weekend, Petra Kvitova can look forward to a return to the Top 10 on Monday after defeating Garbine Muguruza 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the final of the Qatar Open in Doha.

It’s been a remarkable rise for the popular Czech in the face of adversity. Her career was thrown into jeopardy after being stabbed in her left hand by an intruder at her home in December 2016, but she has responded magnificently.

It’s a 13th consecutive victory for the double Wimbledon champion and it’s the 22nd time she has held aloft a WTA trophy.

“I came from the Fed Cup in Prague, so I’ve gone from indoor to outdoor and I’m very proud of myself,” said Kvitova, with a trademark smile. “It was a really tough match and a big fight, so I hope people enjoyed the match.

“When I remember where I was one year ago, I could not really have dreamed of this (returning to Top 10). It’s a very special feeling to be back but I could not be there without my team, my coaches and my family and friends.”

]]>Sun, 18 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kvitova into Doha finalhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/17/kvitova-into-doha-final
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/17/kvitova-into-doha-finalIt’s a 12 consecutive success for the uncompromising Czech, and it’s the fifth time she has defeated a reigning world No.1.

Standing between Kvitova and a 22nd career title is Garbine Muguruza. Whilst the Czech was engaged in a fatiguing battle with the Dane, her next opponent was resting within the confines of her hotel room.

The Wimbledon champion was due to play Simona Halep in the last four, but the Romanian pulled out the competition on Friday due to an ongoing ankle problem.

Kvitova’s winning habit helped her stay composed in tight moments, and she bludgeoned 50 winners as she recovered from a precarious position to surprise the world No.1.

Wozniacki served for the match on two occasions in the second set, however she failed to apply the finishing touches and paid the consequences. Kvitova’s level of play yo-yoed throughout, but her aggressive approach proved to be more of a help than a hindrance.

“I was spraying it everywhere in the second set,” admitted Kvitova. “It was important for me to put some more balls back into the court and try to calm down a little bit.

“Even though I was losing, I was still trying to get back somehow. I know that I can return her serve (Wozniacki’s) and maybe break her. I was just waiting for the opportunity to break, and it came.

“In the tiebreak I was down and really angry, but I tried to hit some winners and it worked.

The final will begin not before 15:00 (GMT) on Sunday. Kvitova has won three of her four previous meetings with Muguruza, including their most recent showdown at the US Open last September.

]]>Sat, 17 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Dimitrov into Rotterdam finalhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/17/dimitrov-into-rotterdam-final
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/17/dimitrov-into-rotterdam-finalWith the Bulgarian serving in the early stages of the second set after netting a high quality opener 6-3, the Belgian miscued an attempted backhand volley and the ball flicked up off his racket and caught him in the left eye.

It was quickly apparent that Goffin was struggling with his vision and play was halted immediately. The 27-year-old took a medical timeout away from the court, but he did not return and the umpire announced his retirement to the capacity crowd inside the Ahoy Arena.

Goffin has not enjoyed the best of luck in recent times. He was forced to pull out of Roland Garros last year with an ankle issue after falling over court-covers - and he missed Wimbledon as a result.

He is due to be involved at the Marseille Open next week, but it looks unlikely that he will have recovered in time to fulfil his commitment.

Dimitrov will attempt to win his second ATP 500 title against the soon-to-be world No.1, Roger Federer, on Sunday afternoon.

The Swiss marvel made it through to the championship match after a routine 6-3 7-6(3) win over Andreas Seppi.

]]>Sat, 17 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kerber ousts Konta in Dohahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/15/kerber-ousts-konta-in-doha
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/15/kerber-ousts-konta-in-dohaThe German was comprehensively outplayed in the opening stanza by the British No.1, but she stamped her authority on the second set and finished a scrappy decider strongly.

Kerber’s latest victory has earned her a shot at Caroline Wozniacki. The Dane, who must keep winning to remain at world No.1 next week, dismissed Monica Niculescu 7-5 6-1.

The German's recent resurgence can be credited to the work done by Wim Fissette. The meticulous Belgian, who assisted Konta last year, has elevated the former world No.1’s game after a dismal 2017 - and she has already registered four Top 20 wins in this campaign.

Fissette’s recent association with Konta added another intriguing dimension to this last sixteen contest, however the barnstorming contest anticipated never materialised.

Konta, who impressed in the previous round against Carla Suarez Navarro, was the dominant force in the early stages. She peppered her opponent’s baseline with her purposeful groundstrokes and claimed the first set for the concession of just one game.

Kerber was more vocal and energised in the second set and she was soon back in contention. The 30-year-old began to dictate proceedings with her forehand and Konta failed to knock the German out her stride.

At 3-3 in the decider, Konta played a poor service game to fall a break behind - and her challenge quickly waned.

‘In the first set I did not play my tennis,” conceded Kerber. “I needed a little time to find my rhythm. In the second set, I was playing point by point, but it’s always tough to play against Johanna. She is a good player and I just went for it in the third set.”

Also into the last eight, is Simona Halep. The Romanian overcame Anastasija Sevastova 6-4 6-3 and will take on CiCi Bellis next, who shocked Karolina Pliskova 7-6(4) 6-3.

Petra Kvitova continued her winning run with an excellent 6-4 7-5 success over Elina Svitolina, Julia Goerges dropped just four games against Mihaela Buzărnescu and Caroline Garcia edged out Anna Blinkova 7-6(3) 7-5.

]]>Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Federer impresses in Rotterdamhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/14/federer-impresses-in-rotterdam
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/14/federer-impresses-in-rotterdamThe Australian Open champion was in sizzling form from start to finish against his helpless Belgian opponent - and it took him just 46 minutes to reach the last sixteen.

Rotterdam was a late addition on Federer’s schedule, and he appears determined to seize his opportunity to become the oldest No.1 in the history of the ATP rankings.

Federer, who needs to reach the last four to unseat Rafael Nadal at the top of the game, patrolled the baseline like a panther and smothered his overawed rival with his unrelenting attacking style.

It may have been the Swiss’ first outing since becoming a 20-time major champion, but he was primed and ready from the first ball.

He unleashed 27 winners and committed a miserly seven unforced-errors as he wowed the capacity crowd inside the Ahoy Arena with his shotmaking and flair.

The 36-year-old, who dropped just four points behind his serve, will challenge Philipp Kohlschreiber on Thursday evening.

Alexander Zverev was the biggest casualty on day three. Andreas Seppi scored an impressive 6-4 6-3 over the struggling German.

Grigor Dimitrov made a winning start to his campaign by overcoming Yuichi Sugita 6-4 7-6(5). There were also first round victories for Robin Haase, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Andrey Rublev and Damir Dzumhur.

]]>Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Wozniacki & Halep advancehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/14/wozniacki-and-halep-advance
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/14/wozniacki-and-halep-advanceThe world No.1 appears to be enjoying life as a major champion and she was confident, assured and assertive against her youthful opponent, who was bidding for a first ever Top 10 victory.

Early breaks of serve were traded before the Dane established baseline control. She won 10 of the last 11 games played to secure a safe passage through to the last sixteen.

It was a chastening experience for Witthoeft, and she made a sharp exit after an error-prone display. The 22 year-old smacked 10 winners but committed 21 unforced errors.

Wozniacki will challenge either Monica Niculescu or Magdalena Rybarikova on Thursday.

Simona Halep, who has aspirations of becoming world No.1 again week depending on results, was equally impressive in her 6-3 6-0 demolition of Ekaterina Makarova.

The Romanian, in her first match since her courageous display in the Australian Open final, almost squandered a double-break advantage in the opening set, however she held firm under pressure and clinched it by six games to three.

“I felt really well on court,” said Halep, after a flawless second set. “It’s my first time back after injury and I felt a little pain but I just enjoyed the match. Everything went really well for me and it’s really nice to be back in Doha.

“I played a great tournament in Australia and I was really sad that I couldn’t win a final for the third time, but I will keep working. Maybe I will reach another final, and maybe I will win it.”

Petra Kvitova prevailed in a seesaw battle with Agnieszka Radwanska 6-7(3) 6-3 6-4 to extend her winning run to nine matches.

“The match was maybe fun for the crowd, but not for me,” joked the smiling Czech. “It was really up and down and it’s always tricky against Aga. You can serve well and still lose. She tries hard and gets everything back, so it’s very difficult.”

The two-time Wimbledon champion faces another high-calibre opponent in the last sixteen. She will encounter No.3 seed Elina Svitolina next, who got the better of Marketa Vondrousova 6-2 6-4.

It was not a perfect day for all the seeded players, though, as Catherine Bellis upset Madison Keys 2-6 6-3 6-0 and qualifier, Anna Blinkova, surprised Kristina Mladenovic 6-3 6-3.

]]>Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Konta starts well in Dohahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/13/konta-starts-well-in-doha
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/02/13/konta-starts-well-in-dohaIt was sweet revenge for the 26-year-old who suffered a shock straight set defeat to the lowly-ranked American at last month’s Australian Open.

Konta edged a tightly-contested opener that lasted 64 minutes before dominating a one-sided second set. The No.10 seed will encounter either Carla Suarez Navarro or Kateryna Bondarenko in the second round.

The British No.1, fresh from helping Great Britain reach the Fed Cup World Group II play-offs, raced into a 3-0 lead before being pegged back by her tenacious opponent.

Pera had the opportunity to serve for the set after establishing a 6-5 advantage, however she faltered and was soon embroiled in the lottery of a tiebreak.

At 5-5 in the shootout, Pera tugged a midcourt forehand wide to slip a minibreak behind. It was a glaring miss from the American, and her misery was compounded moments later as Konta clinched the opener.

It had been a scrappy first set, and the Brit looked far from convincing in the baseline exchanges. She improved considerably in the second set though, and further capitalised on her rival’s anguish.

Elsewhere on the grounds, Petra Kvitova extended her winning run to eight matches with a thumping 6-0 6-3 success over Cagla Buyukakcay.

“I'm happy to be here,” said the Czech, who triumphed in St. Petersburg two weeks ago. “It’s definitely a tough schedule for me, but getting an eighth win is something really nice for me.

“It's been really long since I've had such a good run. I'm just trying to continue with that."

There were also victories for Garbine Muguruza, Alize Cornet, Marketa Vondrousova and Anastasija Sevastova.

]]>Tue, 13 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Federer wins a 20th majorhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/28/federer-wins-a-20th-major
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/28/federer-wins-a-20th-majorThe majestic Swiss defeated Marin Cilic 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 in a roller-coaster final to successfully defend his Australian Open crown and further add to his astonishing list of accomplishments.

The 36-year-old was often rushed and harried by the Croatian, but roared on by his vociferous supporters, he found a way to ensure his name would be carved on the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for a record-equalling sixth time.

Federer took the scenic route against his resilient opponent, however he refused to let a fourth set wobble derail his bid to achieve a third Grand Slam success after his 35th birthday.

His joy was immediately apparent after converting his first match-point, and he continues to cherish every triumph as if it's his last. On current form though, this is unlikely to be the last time he departs a major undefeated.

“I’m so happy, it’s unbelievable,” said an emotional Federer as he struggled to hold back tears. “It’s a long day waiting for the final, and it’s easier when it’s in the afternoon time and you sleep, eat and go out there and do your best and that’s it.

‘When it’s at night, you think about the match all day and it’s tough. I’m happy it’s over now either way, but of course winning is an absolute dream come true.

“The fairy-tale continues for us, for me, and after the great year I had last year, it’s incredible.”

Cilic was overcome with nerves in the early stages, and it looked like a fourth men’s final in a row at Grand Slam level would end in double-quick time.The 2014 US Open champion rallied after a dreadfully poor beginning though, and contributed to an entertaining spectacle.

The 29-year-old had his chances in the first game of the decider to wrestle control and snatch the lead for the first time, but he was unable to capitalise on a productive passage of play.

“It was an amazing journey for me to come here to the final,” said the Croatian. “It could have been the best two weeks of my life, but today was a tough match.

“I had a slight chance in that game at the beginning of the fifth set, but Roger played great.”

The main talking point prior to the match was the decision taken by organisers to close the Rod Laver Arena roof due to the heat and humidity in Melbourne.

The organisers have since stated they simply were following their rulebook, but a few former players on social media - Greg Rusedski and Pat Cash - were less than enamoured by the decision to play the championship match of an outdoor tournament indoors.

Unlike Federer, Cilic had not played under the roof and the change in conditions perhaps contributed to his shaky start. He fluffed a difficult overhead to lose serve immediately and was trailing by a double-break after just nine minutes of action.

Federer took the opening stanza with ease, but the second set was more competitive. Both players had chances to establish control, however a tiebreak was eventually called into action.

The shootout was equally tight, but a stinging return followed by a forehand winner enabled Cilic to attain a 6-4 advantage - and he converted his second set-point to restore parity.

The Croatian bellowed with delight as he levelled the match, but his joy was short-lived. Federer stormed into an early third set lead and then continued to dominate.

The Swiss took another giant step towards the finishing line when he managed to achieve a break in the opening game of the fourth set. It appeared the match was heading towards a rapid conclusion, but Cilic was not done yet.

Federer made just 36% of first serves in the fourth set, and as a consequence, he offered his rival an avenue back into the the contest. Cilic gleefully capitalised on his opponent’s struggles and deservedly forced a decider.

The Croatian had outplayed the Swiss from the baseline in the closing stages of the fourth set and he began the next with a spring in his step. He applied significant pressure in a desperate effort to strike first, however Federer weathered the storm and then pushed for home.

Cilic dumped a forehand into the net to fall 2-0 behind – and this time there was no stirring response.

]]>Sun, 28 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Wozniacki wins the Australian Openhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/27/wozniacki-wins-the-australian-open
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/27/wozniacki-wins-the-australian-openThe Dane’s unrelenting perseverance has brought her the ultimate reward - and the one glaring omission on her stellar résumé is no more.

The 27-year-old edged an epic contest with Simona Halep 7-6(2) 3-6 6-4 to win the 2018 Australian Open. It was a breathless scrap between two exceptional athletes and it was a final filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Halep, who had an arduous route through to the championship match, looked exhausted in the second set yet she somehow forced a decider.

The final set was a baseline war between two competitors desperate to win the ultimate prize, but it was the Dane who edged a tumultuous shootout that included seven breaks of serve.

It was a backhand into the net from Halep that ended a fight that lasted nearly three unforgettable hours, and Wozniacki could not hold back tears as she realised a childhood ambition.

The Dane appeared overwhelmed as she basked in the acclaim of the appreciative capacity crowd, but her unbridled joy was abundantly clear when she was formally introduced to the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

In securing victory over the Romanian, Wozniacki has become the first ever player from Denmark to win a Grand Slam singles title. She will also leapfrog Halep and become world No.1 again on Monday, eight years after she first reached the summit.

Wozniacki’s lack of success at blue-riband events has often been associated with her pragmatic gamestyle. She is predominantly a counter-puncher who likes to absorb pressure and respond on the counter-attack, but she has shown so much more Melbourne.

The Dane performed with aggression and intent throughout the first Grand Slam of the year. Her serve was dependable, her forehand consistent and her backhand outstanding.

It’s been a willingness to be assertive at critical junctures that has been a key aspect behind her recent resurgence, and few can begrudge her a well deserved moment in the spotlight.

“I’m just taking a second to hug Daphne [the trophy]," joked the new champion. “I’ve dreamt of this moment for so many years and to be here today is a dream come true.

“My voice is shaking and I never cry, but this is a very emotional moment.

“I also want to congratulate Simona. It’s a tough day, but I’m sorry I had to win and I’m sure we will have many more matches in the future. It was an incredible match and an incredible fight."

It’s a third Grand Slam final defeat for Halep, however she is unlikely to have too many regrets as she contemplates the long journey home.

The 26-year-old overcame an ankle problem, saved multiple match-points on her way to the championship match and took the final the distance despite struggling physically.

“It’s difficult to talk now, but I want to congratulate Caroline, she played amazing,” acknowledged the gracious finalist. “It’s been a great tournament for me and I started not very well with an ankle injury, but I just wanted to give my best in every match, which I did.

“I’m really happy that I could play the final of a Grand Slam again. Of course I’m sad that I couldn’t win today, but Caroline was better than me. I have many years to go so hopefully I will face another challenge like this today."

It was Wozniacki who settled quicker and established an early 3-0. Her willingness to take risks and hit down the line paid dividends as she yanked her opponent from coast to coast.

Halep’s nerves eventually subsided and she started playing with greater freedom. The Dane had an opportunity at 5-3 to serve for the set, however her forehand let her down when she needed it most.

Wozniacki regrouped though, and dominated the tiebreak as she won a set in a championship match for the first time in her career.

The rallies became more protracted and gruelling in the second set, but both competitors were commanding behind their respective serves. After the fifth game, Halep requested the doctor and had her blood pressure checked, however she was deemed fit enough to continue.

The world No.1 was also troubled by a right thigh issue, but it did not stop her sealing the only break in the set with a crunching forehand winner down the line.

The decider commenced after a 10 minute heat break. Both players looked weary as they attempted to win the biggest title of their lives, but it was the Dane who looked a little fresher - and that proved to be the telling factor in the eventual outcome.

It was a final to remember, and it only whets the appetite for what's to come in the weeks and months ahead.

]]>Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Cilic ends Edmund's runhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/25/cilic-ends-edmunds-run
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/25/cilic-ends-edmunds-runMarin Cilic was in sizzling form as he dispatched the wounded British No.2 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2 to reach the Australian Open final for the first time in his career at the 10th attempt.

The Croatian was excellent against Rafael Nadal in the last eight and he was equally impressive against Edmund. He served magnificently and his forehand, which can be hit or miss, inflicted significant punishment.

Cilic may not quite be performing at the jaw-dropping level he produced when he triumphed at the US Open four years ago, but his standards remain exceptionally high.

Edmund’s road to the semi-finals was eventful and arduous. Previous exertions undoubtedly took their toll on the body of weary Yorkshireman - and he required a medical timeout after the first set for an unspecified injury.

The 23-year-old did not seem visibly troubled or hampered when he returned to the court, but his booming forehand, which is so often the source of his inspiration, lacked the usual velocity.

“I think in the second set I was just a little bit up and down with my game,” acknowledged Cilic, who will bid for a second Grand Slam title on Sunday.

“I was not getting enough returns back to pressure him [Edmund] in his service games and he began to release a couple of forehands. I just stayed mentally very focused and tried to play every single point. It was obviously very important to keep the pressure on in the tiebreak."

The Croatian realised that Edmund was struggling physically in the third set, and believes the Brit's busy fortnight had finally caught up with him.

“I noticed in the third set when I broke him that he just let a couple of balls go past him,” he added. “I thought he might release a couple more forehands at that point but I could see that his movement was a little restricted, so I just tried to move the ball around.

“He [Edmund] is playing great tennis and has improved a lot over the last couple of years. Obviously he has started great this year and had an extremely tough run to the semis, a couple of five-setters, a couple of four-setters as well, so it definitely left some scars on his body.”

It was the biggest match of Edmund’s blossoming career but he showed no sign of nerves in the early stages. He traded with his high-calibre opponent and held his own from baseline, however he was unable to sustain it for long.

Cilic established a 4-2 lead after the Brit nudged a backhand wide. The 29-year-old was buoyant and he won a further two games on the trot to pocket the all-important opener.

Edmund refused to buckle in the second set and he remained involved. He created a few 0-30 situations on his opponent’s serve, but a break-point was not forthcoming.

The tiebreak was a must-win for the Brit, but it was Cilic who showed just why he is a perennial Top 10 player and a major champion. A backhand winner down the line sealed the set for the excitable No.6 seed.

It was a long way back for Edmund, and he really began to toil. The contest was effectively over and it was simply a matter of time before Cilic became the first Croatian, male or female, to reach the championship match at the Australian Open.

]]>Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Halep defeats Kerber in epichttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/25/halep-defeats-kerber-in-epic
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/25/halep-defeats-kerber-in-epicThe world No.1 saved two match-points as she edged a bruising physical scrap with Angelique Kerber 6-3 4-6 9-7 to reach the Australian Open final.

The 26-year-old will tackle Caroline Wozniacki in the championship match on Saturday evening - and a first-time major winner is now guaranteed.

After two sets of fluctuating quality, the decider delivered the excitement and drama the capacity crowd craved. Both competitors pushed each other to the extremities of the court as a brutal baseline war commenced between two ferocious counter-punchers.

The rallies were lengthy and enthralling, but on this occasion, fortune favoured the brave.

Halep was the more assertive throughout and her willingness to roll the dice earned her a spot in the final for the first time.

It’s the second time in the tournament the Romanian has saved match-points and emerged victorious, and her never-say-die attitude can only be commended.

“It was very tough, I’m shaking now,” said Halep. “I’m really emotional because I knew before the match it would be very tough and she is a very tough opponent that moves pretty well and hits from everywhere.

“I’m really glad that I could resist and win this match. It was my second long match of the tournament and that’s not easy, but I just have to enjoy this.

“When I twisted my ankle [against Lauren Davis in the third round] I decided that I would fight for every point and I would go to the end and give everything in this tournament – and then I’ll rest.”

Kerber, who impressed in her demolition of Madison Keys in the quarter-finals, was listless in the early exchanges against the Romanian. She looked devoid of ideas and confidence as she slumped 5-0 behind in just 13 minutes.

The German did eventually get her side of the scoreboard moving, but it was too late to salvage the opening stanza.

Halep was in the ascendancy and she strengthened her grip on the match in the second set. The 26-year-old moved 3-1 ahead before Kerber finally gave her band of noisy supporters something to cheer.

The former champion became more vocalised and energised as she displayed an unwillingness to let her quest for a third major title dwindle.

At 4-4, the world No.1 showed signs of anxiousness for the first time. She began to snatch at her groundstrokes and her usually trusty backhand began to misfire. Kerber capitalised on her opponent’s woes and achieved a break of serve before taking the set by six games to four.

The decider was the first time both players performed to their maximum – and it ensured a thrilling finale.

Kerber struck first in the final set, but her joy was short-lived. Halep launched a sizzling backhand return winner down the line to break back immediately.

In the eighth game, the German, feeling the effects of some energy-sapping exchanges, dropped serve to fall 5-3 behind. The Romanian was closing in on victory, but she was denied in spectacular fashion.

After an epic 25-stroke rally, Kerber flicked a short-angled backhand winner crosscourt to break back and keep her fading hopes alive. It was a point to remember, and both competitors fully merited the standing ovation they received.

Kerber was still in trouble, though, and at 4-5, she faced two match-points. She dusted herself down and saved both with aplomb before pulling level again.

It was difficult to predict what would happen next, but it was soon Halep’s turn to bounce back from the brink. The Romanian showed her mettle to save two-match points and eventually draw level at 6-6.

Both players were exhausted - physically and mentally - but it was Halep who took the checkered flag. The Romanian converted her fourth match-point thanks to Kerber firing a forehand beyond the baseline.

A contender for match of the tournament was finally over, and Halep now has a second chance to fulfil her dreams and aspirations on Saturday evening.

]]>Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Wozniacki reaches finalhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/25/wozniacki-reaches-final
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/25/wozniacki-reaches-finalThe former world No.1 used her experience and know-how to defeat Elise Mertens 6-3 7-6(2) and reach the final of the Australian Open.

It’s the third time the Dane has made it to the championship match of a Grand Slam, and she will challenge either Simona Halep or Angelique Kerber for the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup on Saturday evening.

It was almost the perfect afternoon for Wozniacki. For the majority of the contest she served superbly, defended expertly and cracked her world-class backhand with intent.

A single break achieved in each set appeared to be sufficient for the 27-year-old to stroll into the final without a moments hesitation, however she faltered when serving for the match.

She regrouped though, and negotiated a tricky period before dominating the tiebreak to earn another precious shot at major glory.

“It means so much to me to be in the final,” said a beaming Wozniacki, who is currently situated at No.1 in the live WTA Rankings. “I got really tight at 5-4 [in the second set] and there were a couple of double-faults.

“I thought after the first couple of points on serve it was all good, but then it wasn’t so good anymore. I felt like I was hitting against a wall. In the semi-finals here against Li Na in 2011 I was serving for the match, and I had a match-point before losing it.

“It was definitely on my mind out there today, but I just tried to stay calm and was lucky to get the win.”

Wozniacki was expected to reach the semi-finals, but it was unchartered territory for Mertens.

The Belgian, who had not dropped a set en route to the last four, looked decidedly shaky in the early stages and she was perhaps guilty of pulling the trigger too early in the baseline exchanges.

Her aggressive approach meant she had little margin for error, and there were more mistakes than winners from her racket in the first set. The 22-year-old dropped serve in the fourth game after a pair of loose forehands and she was unable to recover the deficit.

The world No.2 looked entirely at ease on Rod Laver Arena, and her support team were enjoying their time in the Melbourne sunshine. In the second set, the Dane capitalised on a poor service game from Mertens to move 3-2 ahead and a first Australian Open final appearance was in sight.

Wozniacki was a game away from victory, but she was unable to apply the finishing touches. Two double-faults did little to help her cause - and the Belgian had an unexpected reprieve.

Mertens had renewed belief as she attempted to muscle her way back into contention. She carved out two set-points in the 12th game, but was denied by some purposeful play by the Dane.

Wozniacki held on and forced a tiebreak, and she was deperate to avoid the tension of a third set. She upped the quality of her ball-striking when it really counted though, and finished with a flourish.

]]>Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Federer's win in pictureshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/24/federers-win-in-pictures
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/24/federers-win-in-picturesCheck out the best images from an entertaining evening in Melbourne:

]]>Wed, 24 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Chung makes the semi-finalshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/24/chung-makes-the-semi-finals
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/24/chung-makes-the-semi-finalsThe exciting 21-year-old is the first Korean to make it to the last four of a Grand Slam and he is the youngest player in eight years to be within a single victory of the championship match at a major.

After the euphoria surrounding his outstanding successes over Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic, Chung had to deal with a different sort of pressure against Sandgren.

The Korean was expected to prevail, and he coped admirably with the favourites' tag. He didn’t quite replicate the type of form that left the former world No.1 exasperated on Monday evening, but it doesn’t matter, he got the job done.

He will encounter either Roger Federer or Tomas Berdych on Friday with a place in the final up for grabs.

Sandgren, who lost in qualifying as he attempted to make the main draw in Melbourne 12 months ago, enjoyed a remarkable run to the last eight that included triumphs over Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem.

His participation at the business end of the tournament was entirely unexpected – especially considering he had never registered a win at a Grand Slam prior to last week.

The American had made an average of 75 per cent of first serves en route to the quarter-finals, but his prized asset misfired when he needed it most. He made just over half of his first serves against the Korean - and it was never going to be good enough.

It was Chung who made the stronger opening. He enjoyed baseline supremacy and his piercing groundstrokes helped him take the opening stanza by six games to four.

Sandgren had found it difficult to stay with his youthful opponent in the prolonged and protracted rallies. He tried to respond in the second set, but a backhand dumped into the middle of the net cost him his serve immediately.

Chung had a firm grip of the match and the lack of atmosphere inside the Rod Laver Arena was partially due to his dominance. Just when it looked like the contest may be losing its competitive edge, the Korean slipped up.

The 21-year-old entered a difficult period and his forehand began to leak errors. A further three breaks were traded before a tiebreak was required to settle a scrappy passage of play.

Sandgren, who faltered when serving for the second set, was proactive in the shootout. He repeatedly advanced forward in an attempt to shorten the points, but it was still not enough.

Chung always appeared to be one step ahead, and a fizzing forehand arrowed down the line effectively sealed the set for the youngster.

The American looked devastated as he meandered to his chair. His chance to restore parity had gone, and his hopes of winning the match had all but disappeared too.

A weary-looking Sandgren took greater risks in the third set – and there was the occasional flashy winner. He dropped serve in the fourth game though, and the match appeared to be heading to a rapid conclusion.

Sandgren saved a match-point on his serve before holding for 3-5, and it was left to Chung to complete the formalities. All appeared to be going well for the world No.58 when he established a 40-0 lead, however nerves soon intervened.

In the final game, the Korean was forced to save two break-points and it took him until his sixth match-point before finally settling matters. Relief rather joy was his overwhelming emotion as he saluted the capacity crowd.

]]>Wed, 24 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kerber outplays Keyshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/24/kerber-outplays-keys
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/24/kerber-outplays-keysAngelique Kerber extended her winning run to 10 matches as she thrashed Madison Keys 6-1 6-2 in just 51 minutes to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

The former world No.1 was at her miserly best as she extracted errors from her overwhelmed rival and strolled in the last four for a second time.

It was billed as a clash between two red-hot performers, however Keys never settled and repeatedly misfired. She made mistakes at an alarming rate - and it quickly became apparent why she has such a dismal head to head record with the former champion.

“It’s always tough to play against Madison,” explained Kerber after her brisk win. “She hits the ball so hard and her serve is really fast. I was just trying, like I had done all week, to play my game and enjoy it.”

From the outset, Keys appeared short of ideas and unsure of her strategy, but Kerber was keen to just focus on what she could control.

“I was just thinking about my game,” she added. “I was not thinking about winners, errors or whatever and was just trying to stay in the moment and play every single point.

“The second set was 6-2, but every game was close. I’m just happy to be in the semi-finals again.”

After the trials and tribulations of her last sixteen triumph, Kerber was relieved to enjoy a much quieter afternoon at the office. She struggled to cope with the flair and guile of Hsieh Su-wei on Monday, but revelled in the power-hitting from her latest rival.

Just as she did against Maria Sharapova, the German gleefully absorbed pace from her opponent and responded on the counter-attack. It’s a winning formula for the 30-year-old, and she is closing in on a third Grand Slam title.

It was a deflating experience for Keys, who exited the tournament with a whimper. It was a sobering end to a fortnight that promised so much for the 22-year-old, and her lack of versatility was exposed for a seventh time in eight meetings with German.

Up next for Kerber, is Simona Halep. The world No.1 overcame a stuttering start to thrash Karolina Pliskova 6-3 6-2 and make it through to the last four for the first time.

The Czech raced into a 3-0 lead but was quickly pegged back, and then overtaken. The Romanian won nine games in a succession to sap the confidence of her opponent and establish an unassailable lead.

“It wasn’t my best start,” acknowledged Halep. “I had to restart after three games and stop missing so much and move better. I then just started to open the court with my style and played well in the end.

“I served well today, so everything went pretty well for me.”

]]>Wed, 24 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Edmund stuns Dimitrovhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/23/edmund-stuns-dimitrov
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/23/edmund-stuns-dimitrovKyle Edmund’s unwavering dedication to his profession has paid off as he reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open with a dramatic 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 win over Grigor Dimitrov.

He becomes just the sixth British male in the Open era to reach the last four of a Grand Slam and will challenge either Rafael Nadal or Marin Cilic for a place in the championship match on Thursday.

Edmund battered his distinguished opponent into submission with his sledgehammer of a forehand. Dimitrov was forced to endure significant punishment from the unrelenting Brit, and he wilted physically in the closing stages.

It’s been an unforgettable fortnight for the 23-year-old, and based on his latest performance, anything is possible over the coming days.

‘I’m so happy,” remarked a weary-looking Edmund. “It was a hard match, and I’ve had a lot of hard matches, so I just wanted to enjoy the moment.

‘Obviously he [Dimitrov] played a high level match against Kyrgios so I knew it was going to be tough, but I had a bit of a dip in the second set. It was quite poor tennis at some points, but in the third set I managed to break him right at the end.

“I had a little bit of a blip in the fourth set, but really just held my nerve in that last game and prayed that lost ball was out.”

Dimitrov was widely tipped to get the better of Edmund and reach the semi-finals for a second consecutive year. He had been inconsistent throughout the tournament though, and his second serve was once again a glaring weakness.

At 4-4 in the first set, Edmund carved open a break-point - and he took his chance in style. He treated his rival’s tentative second delivery with disdain and scudded an unstoppable 166km forehand return down the line.

The Brit held a 5-4 lead, and he battled through a tension-filled service game to deservedly pocket a competitive first set.

Dimitrov needed to respond to the challenge laid down by his opponent, and his fighting spirit came to the fore. The No.3 seed raced into a 3-0 lead and managed to maintain his advantage until parity had been restored.

Edmund’s level had slipped in the second set, but he showed no signs of fatigue in the next. He regrouped, continued to lash forehands and dominated the centre of the court.

The third set was always going to be of huge importance in terms of deciding the eventual outcome of the match, and it was Edmund who got it. An untimely double-fault from the Bulgarian cost him dearly as he fell 5-3 behind.

Dimitrov was unable to prevent his opponent from moving within a set of victory - and he looked dejected as he traipsed to his chair to contemplate his service woes.

The Bulgarian tried to stay with his heavy-hitting opponent in the fourth set, but he looked physically - and mentally - drained. He played a dreadful service game to fall 3-2 behind, and his demeanour suggested he had little more to give.

Perhaps the Dimitrov of a few years ago would have meekly accepted his fate, however times have changed. The 26-year-old has insatiable desire to succeed and he bounced back immediately.

Edmund had lost his precious advantage, but he was unmoved by the setback. He showed great strength of character to bag another break after Dimitrov netted a backhand – and he would not be denied this time.

Another errant backhand from the Bulgarian proved to be the last action of the match, and not even a Hawk-Eye challenge could save him.

It’s a 10th consecutive victory for the 22-year-old – who successfully defended her title in Hobart earlier this month – and she is yet to drop a set at the first Grand Slam of the year.

Mertens rise has been extraordinary. She began 2017 ranked No.120 in the world and is now just two victories away from emulating her compatriots Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters and becoming Belgian’s latest major champion.

The 22-year-old was the underdog prior to her last four date with Svitolina - and yet she managed to win at a canter. She rocked her opponent with her aggressive approach and capitalised on her punishing groundstrokes by venturing into the forecourt on a frequent basis.

“I’m without words,” said a jubilant Mertens post-match. ‘I’ve got all mixed emotions, all good emotions, and I gave it my all today. Of course it was a little stressful at the end, but I just played my game and it went well.”

Both players were bidding for a place in their first Grand Slam semi-final, and the opening exchanges were competitive. Mertens came under sustained pressure in her first service game, but managed to hold after seven torturous minutes.

The Belgian had survived her first test, and she quickly stamped her authority on the match. A pair of stinging returns, forehand and backhand, enabled her to achieve a break and establish a 2-1 lead.

Svitolina looked uncomfortable in the baseline battles and she was constantly on the defensive. Her counter-punching skills may be exceptional, but she was often too deep in the court to make an impact.

Mertens deservedly moved 5-2 ahead – and she was grateful to have a double-break advantage. The world No.36 faltered when she attempted to close out the set at the first time of asking, but she made no mistake on her second try.

Svitolina departed the court after the completion of the opener and was understandably frustrated with her performance. She tried to be more assertive in the second set, but her forehand misfired.

It was perhaps assumed the Ukrainian would burst into life in the second set, however the one-way traffic continued. Mertens developed such a substantial lead that nerves were not a factor when she attempted to apply the finishing touches.

It was a day to remember for Mertens, but Svitolina will rue a missed opportunity.

]]>Tue, 23 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Novak Djokovic unsure of next movehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/novak-djokovic-unsure-of-next-move
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/novak-djokovic-unsure-of-next-moveOn Monday evening, Hyeon Chung ended the Serbian's hopes of winning an unprecedented seventh Australian Open crown - but an unexpected defeat is the least of his concerns.

Djokovic was again troubled by the elbow problem that forced him to the sidelines for six months. Throughout his last sixteen clash with the Korean, he was spotted flexing his right forearm and wincing in pain.

The former world No.1 had hoped rest and recuperation would help his injury issue, however on this occasion, time has not proved to be a great healer.

“It kind of started hurting [elbow] more at the end of the first set,” admitted Djokovic. “I had to deal with it until the end of the match.

“I was hoping I could get through it. As I was mentioning before, as a professional athlete, you have to deal with pain at a certain level, a certain degree. You kind of get used that.

“It's frustrating, of course, when you have that much time and you don't heal properly, but it is what it is. There is some kind of a reason behind all of this. I'm just trying my best obviously because I love this sport. I enjoy training. I enjoy getting myself better, hoping that I can get better, perform and compete.

“Today was one of those days where, unfortunately, it was too much to deal with.”

Djokovic admits he is unsure what to do next regarding his elbow, but will take time before making his next move.

“I really don't know. Now, I don't know,” added the Serbian, when asked if would require more time away from the court.

“I have to reassess everything with my team, medical team, coaches and everybody, scan it, see what the situation is like. Last couple weeks I played a lot of tennis. Let's see what's happening inside.”

Djokovic is not scheduled to play in February, but is on the entry list for Indian Wells – the first Masters event of the year - in March.

]]>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Federer eases into last eighthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/federer-eases-into-last-eight
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/federer-eases-into-last-eightThe defending champion was not at his fluid best, but he improved as the match progressed and did not encounter a break-point on serve as he reached the quarter-finals for a record 14th time.

The Swiss will challenge Tomas Berdych in the last eight on Wednesday. The Czech, fit and healthy again after his 2017 campaign ended prematurely, brushed past Fabio Fognini a 6-1 6-4 6-4.

Federer and Berdych are familiar foes, and the Swiss leads the head to head count 19-6 – and has won their last eight meetings.

After his first match in the day session, Federer paid tribute to his opponent, who had never registered a victory at Grand Slam level prior to last Monday

“He (Fucsovics) played very well,” said the 19-time major winner. “It’s fast conditions and you’ve got to have quick ideas and execute well, and I thought he did that very well.

“Being two sets down is never easy and you might start making some mistakes eventually, but he played clean and solid. A bit of everything: serving, volleying and chipping. It was nice to see.”

Federer had been sharp and alert in the first three rounds, but he started his last sixteen contest slowly. It took him a while to adjust to the lively afternoon conditions.

Fucsovics is a good all-rounder and he stayed with his illustrious opponent in the first set. He was very much involved, however he was broken for the first time when he attempted to prolong the opener.

Federer may not have been in devastating form from the baseline, but his trusty serve was as reliable as ever. At one stage, he won 21 points in a row behind his delivery.

The Hungarian did well to force a second set tiebreak, but Federer quashed any hopes of the match becoming close. An overhead smash moved the Swiss a step closer to the next stage.

Fucsovics' chances of causing the upset had all but disappeared, and he was unable to prevent or delay his opponent from completing the job in straight sets.

]]>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kerber survives scarehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/kerber-survives-scare
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/kerber-survives-scareThe former world No.1 was greatly troubled by the variety on display from her gifted opponent, however she found a solution with moments to spare.

The German edged a tumultuous second set before dominating the decider as the frenetic pace took its toll on her weary rival. It had been a ferocious battle filled with lung-busting sprints, but it was the tournament favourite who advanced 4-6 7-5 6-2.

“Credit to her (Wei Hsieh), she played an unbelievable match,” acknowledged the 2016 champion. “She started really well and I was running everywhere, but she always had the answers.

‘She had a great week, and for sure we are going to see a lot more of her in 2018.”

Kerber was forced to serve to stay in the match in the second set, and she believes it was her ability to play each point on its own merit that enabled her to wriggle free.

“I tried not to think about the score,” she added. “I just tried to play every single ball. It was a very good match from the first point, really high quality.”

Earlier wins in the competition over Garbine Muguruza and Agnieszka Radwanska underlined just how dangerous Wei Hsieh can be. She dropped serve in the first game in the match, but it was just a minor blip.

The 32-year-old hit back, and then began to work her magic. Her precise groundstrokes and nonchalant dropshots had Kerber scrambling - and she was a joy to watch as she showcased her full repertoire of shots.

Wei Hsieh made her move in the 10th game. A fortuitous net chord enabled her to secure a break and nab the set, but she fully merited a slice of good luck.

Kerber was noticeably frustrated at her inability to dissect the game-plan of her opponent, and she remained on the back foot in the second set.

The German’s annoyance turned to delight, though, when Wei Hsieh nudged a backhand into the tramlines to fall 4-3 behind.

It was the breakthrough Kerber craved, but she fluffed an overhead and ballooned a forehand beyond the baseline to immediately undo all her good work.

Tension was building inside the Rod Laver Arena as an upset loomed large, however there would be no more lapses in concentration from the German. The 30-year-old is yet to taste defeat this year and she was resolute when it really mattered.

Wei Hsieh faltered in the 11th game, and it was the first sign that she was beginning to feel the strain. Kerber served out the set with aplomb and a decider was necessary.

The third set lacked the intensity and drama of the first two. Wei Hsieh had tried desperately to get the job done at the first opportunity, and she had nothing left to give in the decider.

]]>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Keys dazzles againhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/keys-dazzles-again
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/22/keys-dazzles-againThe 22-year-old was in scintillating form once again as she powered past Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-2 to reach the last eight for a second time in four years.

The American, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament, served beautifully and intimidated her rival with her ultra-aggressive return game. She thumped 32 winners and committed 21 unforced-errors as she sent out a stark warning to her title rivals.

The American was forced to watch last year’s Australian Open unfold from home as she recovered from wrist surgery – and an enforced absence has helped her appreciate how much she enjoys the game.

“It definitely made me realise how much I love it and how much pressure I put on myself,” she added. “Missing this last year makes me feel like I’m playing with no pressure and I’m just going out and playing my game.

“I’m just happy to be back out here again, and not at home in a cast.”

It proved to be a difficult afternoon for Garcia, but she started the match well. An untimely double-fault from Keys gifted her a break in the first game, however she was unable to build on early promise.

From 2-2 onwards, the Frenchwoman was a mere bystander. The American was cracking forehands winners with unerring ease as she claimed four of the next five games to move within a set of victory.

The attacking onslaught continued in the second set, and Garcia was struggling just to win games. The 24 year-old did eventually get her side of the scoreboard moving again - but there was to be no dramatic twist.

Keys will challenge either Angelique Kerber or Hsieh Su-wei in the quarter-finals.

]]>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Edmund striving for morehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/21/edmund-striving-for-more
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/21/edmund-striving-for-moreThe 23-year-old is just the second British man to reach the last eight at the Australian Open since 1985 – but he is still striving for more. He will challenge Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the semi-finals, and believes it’s possible to go the distance.

“You have to believe it,” responded Edmund, when asked if he can win the tournament. “That's why I'm in the quarter-finals, because every time I step on the court and I'm playing, I believe I'm going to win, so it's no different now.

“The next opponent, I take it one step at a time. I have to believe I'm going to win and believe in my game. That's the way I have approached it, one match at a time, and I will continue to do that."

It’s been a physically demanding tournament for the British No.2, but an emphasis on rest and recuperation has enabled him to bounce back after two gruelling five-setters.

“I just basically look after my body, do the best I can. Just try to sleep lots, eat food, drink well,” he added. “I’ve been doing minimal as possible and just saving my energy for the match.”

Edmund underwent an arduous pre-season training program in December, and is now reaping the rewards after an excellent start to the campaign.

“It's great to be in the quarter-finals, it's certainly my best result at a slam,” said the Brit. “It's not easy to win four matches at a Grand Slam.

“I’m definitely pleased and it shows I'm improving. It also shows that the hard work is paying-off. That constant working at everything in my game, on and off the court, it's good when you get results and it comes together.

“It’s always good to see results come, because that's when it really shows it's paying-off – you can see you're improving, but nothing really beats winning and results. If you improve but you carry on losing, it doesn't help anything.

“It's good to really get a good result here. I'm playing well, feeling good and want to keep pushing on as well as I can.”

]]>Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Dimitrov denies Kyrgioshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/21/dimitrov-denies-kyrgios
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/21/dimitrov-denies-kyrgiosThe Bulgarian appeared to have missed his opportunity when he faltered serving for the match, but he regrouped and completed an impressive 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(4) victory.

Rarely has a non-‘Big Four’ match garnered so much interest, but this last sixteen duel stood out as a plum tie – and the hype was entirely justified.

The contest delivered the twists and turns anticipated, and it was the No.3 seed that did just enough to prevail and disappoint the capacity crowd inside Rod Laver Arena.

“Playing against Nick is always tricky, I lost to him two weeks ago (in Brisbane),” said Dimitrov, who will encounter Kyle Edmund next. “He was serving unbelievably and playing unbelievably, and competed really hard.

“He deserves a lot of credit, and it’s one of those matches you have to be locked-in and take any opportunities you get. When I was serving for the match I was not finding my spots well, but again, he was playing very well.

“I’m just glad I got through the match.”

The Bulgarian was below par in the first week of the tournament - and his backhand and second serve were areas of concern. He was required to raise his level for the unique threat posed by the Australian, and he did exactly that.

The 26-year-old’s forehand was outstanding and his scrambling skills enabled him to frequently turn defence into attack. He did not face a single break-point in the first set, and dominated the tiebreak.

While Dimitrov was calm and composed, Kyrgios was ranting and raving at his support team. He was unhappy with his string tension, and it negatively impacted his performance in the closing stages of the opener.

The Australian was focused and engaged in the second set, however he was still under the cosh. He slipped a break behind as his challenge began to dwindle, but he recovered the deficit and levelled at 5-5.

Dimitrov had tightened up when serving for the set, but he quickly brushed off the disappointment. A quite scrumptious forehand winner down the line proved to be crucial in the tiebreak, and it helped the No.3 seed double his advantage.

Kyrgios faced an uphill battle to remain in contention, but he managed to reduce the arrears. A careless game from the Bulgarian enabled the Australian to snatch a break and move 3-2 ahead, and that was all he required to take the third set.

Kyrgios had hope again, and the crowd was firmly on his side. The noise levels increased and it was clear Dimitrov was playing away from home.

The fourth set was typically close, but it was the Australian who was under the most pressure. He fended off three break-points, but missed a sitter of an overhead to gift his opponent the opportunity to serve for the match.

Stunned silence greeted Kyrgios’ momentary lapse in concentration, but the decibel levels soon increased again. Dimitrov played a service game to forget as he attempted to apply the finishing touches, and the match was back in the balance.

Another tiebreak was required, and once again, it was the Bulgarian who delivered.

The 26-year-old let out a guttural roar after directing a pinpoint forehand passing-shot beyond the reach of his floundering rival to finally get over the winning line.

]]>Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Nadal holds off Schwartzmanhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/21/nadal-holds-off-schwartzman
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/21/nadal-holds-off-schwartzmanThe Spaniard entered troubled waters for the first time in the championships against the industrious Argentine, but he swiftly restored order after a second set lull.

With this victory, Nadal is now guaranteed to remain as world No.1 at the conclusion of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Marin Cilic stands between the top seed and a semi-final berth. The Croatian registered his 100th win at a major by overcoming Pablo Carreno Busta 6-7(2) 6-3 7-6(0) 7-6(3) in a lengthy encounter.

“Diego is a great player in all aspects, “acknowledged Nadal, post-match. “I felt for a lot of the afternoon he was serving well, and that is usually something he is a little bit more uncomfortable with.

“I was able to keep fighting until the end and this was the first big match that I’ve played in 2018. I started later this year (missed Brisbane), so a match like this probably helps because it gives me confidence knowing that I can resist playing almost fours hours on court at a good intensity."

Nadal had won all three previous meeting with Schwartzman - and he looked set to maintain his perfect record when he bagged the opener convincingly.

The speedy Argentine is a gritty character though, and he demonstrated his battling qualities in the second set. Three times he slipped a break behind, yet somehow snatched it in a tiebreak.

The Spaniard appeared unsure how to contain his unrelenting attacking opponent - and his unusually high unforced-error count highlighted his unease.

Schwartzman’s ball-striking was exceptional in the closing stages of the second set, however he missed an early chance to move ahead in the third. He overcooked a makeable forehand to snatch the lead, and it was a costly mistake.

Nadal held on and then achieved a break of his own to move 2-0 ahead. The Spaniard had finally settled down after tricky period, and his willingness to be assertive was predominately why he was able to re-establish control and move within a set of victory.

The world No.1 was being pushed and pressed by his inspired rival, and the fourth set was equally tight. The Argentine had five chances to break the Spaniard’s momentum and race into the lead, but hewas repeatedly denied.

Schwartzman was unable to make the most of opportunities, and he soon fell a break behind again. He tried desperately to claw his way back into contention, but Nadal’s first serve came to his rescue time and time again.

Nadal made it through after nearly four hours of hard graft, however it’s the Argentine who departs with his reputation enhanced.

]]>Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Sharapova vows to improvehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/sharapova-vows-to-improve
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/sharapova-vows-to-improveIt was billed as a battle between previous champions and former world No.1s, but it was predominantly one-way traffic from the moment the German established an early first set advantage.

Sharapova, as always, battled gamely, however she was someway short of her formidable best. Her game was plagued by unforced-errors and she had no complaints regarding the eventual outcome.

“I think she [Kerber] played extremely well,” admitted the Russian. “She was the more aggressive player. She took a lot more risk than I did.

"In the first set, I didn't return well. I gave her the confidence by making a lot of errors in return games. I think with that, she played extremely well.

"She's a confident player at the moment. A lot of things were going her way throughout the match. The one little opportunity I had in the second set, I didn't take, I made an error and sometimes that's all it takes."

Sharapova returned from a 15-month suspension in April and has found it difficult to rediscover the type of form that took her to five Grand Slam titles. Injuries have undoubtedly hindered her progress, but she still believes that with time, positive result will be forthcoming.

“I think there are a lot of things that I need to get better at and improve on,” added the Russian. “Looking at the overall picture, the overall beginning of this year, finishing the tournament, first thing is that I'm healthy.

“That, to me, is a big thing because I'll be back on the practice court, I'm not starting from zero. There's a lot to build from. I know maybe that isn't what you want to hear, but personally that's important for me.

“There are a lot of things I need to improve on. As I said, this is a process. It's a lot of things that take time. To be able to get these matches, players that are playing this well, I'm going to face a lot of them this year. I'll have to bring it.”

Sharapova has stated she will not partake in the Fed Cup this year, and will return to action in the Middle East next month.

]]>Sat, 20 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic plays down injury fearshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/djokovic-plays-down-injury-fears
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/djokovic-plays-down-injury-fearsIt was yet another impressive performance from the world No.1, but he did require medical attention in the second set – and it was not for his troublesome right elbow.

The 30-year-old recieved treatment for a hip problem, but it did not impact his display, and he does not seem overly concerned about the issue.

“It’s nothing major,” said the Serbian. “I knew I wanted to use the medical timeout because I needed it, but at the same time, I knew it was nothing major that can potentially raise a question mark regarding whether I can continue playing or not."

Djokovic believes niggling injuries have to be expected after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and feels it will take time for his body to readjust to the rigorous demands of top-flight action.

“I haven't played for six months. We have to take that in consideration,” he added.

“I played a long match against Gael (Monfils) a few days ago. It’s not happened too many times in my career that I have maybe had some tension in the muscles or, some kind of physical challenges.

“These kind of circumstances in which I am in at the moment are quite different. I've never faced a situation where I didn't compete for six months. That’s why I'm kind of forced to be very cautious of what happens day-to-day, be dedicated to my body and training.”

Djokovic would have perhaps expected to face the No.4 seed, Alexander Zverev, on Monday, however the German’s Grand Slam woes have continued.

A top class display from Hyeon Chung ended Zverev’s interest in the competition, and the Korean is into the last sixteen for the first time after five punishing and pulsating sets.

“I'm looking forward to the next challenge,” said Djokovic. “Chung, who has just had a big win, is someone that is very disciplined - one of the NextGen. He won in Milan last year. He's playing great. He's fit. He doesn't have too many holes in his game.

“He's a very nice guy and you can see he's a hard-worker. It pays-off.”

]]>Sat, 20 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Federer remains on trackhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/federer-remains-on-track
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/federer-remains-on-trackRoger Federer completed a perfect first week by swatting Richard Gasquet aside 6-2 7-5 6-4 in the third round of the Australian Open.

The defending champion had to work harder than the scoreline suggests as he made it 17 wins from 19 encounters with his French counterpart.

Up next for the 36-year-old, is Márton Fucsovics. The Hungarian, who had not won a match at Grand Slam level prior to the start of the tournament, earned his shot at the favourite by defeating Nicolás Kicker 6-3 6-3 6-2.

“I was maybe a little more offensive than he was and maybe I protected my serve a little better than him," responded the Swiss, when asked what the difference was between winning and losing.

“The second set was tight and the match was close. The third set could have gone to a tiebreak, and then you never know, so you’ve got to focus until the very end. Richard played well, as did I, and I just happened to win.”

Gasquet has often been criticised for his reluctance to adopt a different strategy when challenging the elite, however he showed a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and take risks on Saturday evening.

The 31-year-old contributed to an entertaining spectacle, but even his best efforts were not enough to derail the Swiss Express.

Gasquet was most competitive in the second set, firing 14 winners and committing just seven unforced-errors, yet he was still left empty-handed.

Federer moved a break ahead in the third set and appeared to be cruising into the last sixteen, however Gasquet was not quite ready to depart the Rod Laver Arena.

The Frenchman managed to break back after a spell of exquisite shotmaking, but he stumbled when serving stay in the match.

A fortuitous backhand winner propelled the Swiss over the finishing line, and he can now look forward to the buisness end of the tournament with relish.

]]>Sat, 20 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kerber downs Sharapovahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/kerber-downs-sharapova
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/kerber-downs-sharapovaThe German was in sizzling form as she dismantled Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-3 to reach the last sixteen of the Australian Open in style.

It was billed as a battle of two former champions on ‘Super Saturday’ but it quickly turned into a one-sided affair.

Kerber is confident, fit and eager to impress. The 30-year-old is on a mission to banish the memories of a dismal 2017 and she appears revitalised under the guidance of new coach, Wim Fissette.

‘I learned a lot from the last 24 months,” said the reflective German after her unbeaten start to the season continued. “I had a great 2016 and then last year was a little bit tougher. Everyone that knows me, they know that I never give up and I always come back.

“I had a really tough off-season and I was working hard to be here playing against the best players again. It's just great.”

This was the first showdown between Kerber and Sharapova in over three years, and it was the first time the German had faced the Russian as a major winner.

Kerber’s ability to absorb - and then redirect - pace from her opponent enabled her to stroll out into an early lead. The Russian was noticeably perturbed by how well her rival has started, and she was far from assured from the baseline.

The German pulled the Russian from corner to corner as she eased to the first set in just 29 minutes. She only hit eight winners, but committed a miserly two unforced-errors.

Sharapova’s hopes of mounting a comeback were dealt a blow early in the second set. She clobbered a backhand beyond the baseline to fall 2-0 behind, and it was unclear whether the match would break the 60-minute mark.

The Russian is renowned for her battling qualities though, and there was an immediate response. She began to find her range from the back of the court and cut out the mistakes.

Sharapova was back in contention, however she missed a glorious opportunity to move ahead for the first time. At 3-3, the Russian carved open a break-point chance, but despite some excellent build-up play, she lacked the final execution.

A wayward forehand cost the Russian a break, and she was soon embracing her rival after an error-strewn service game that included a fluffed dropshot attempt.

Kerber will encounter either Agnieszka Radwanska or Hsieh Su-wei in the fourth round.

Elsewhere on the grounds, Madison Keys, Naomi Osaka, Karolina Pliskova, Caroline Garcia and Barbora Strýcová all ensured their participation in the second week.

]]>Sat, 20 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Halep toughs it outhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/halep-toughs-it-out
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/20/halep-toughs-it-outOn paper it may have looked like a fairly standard third rouncf clash. The World No.1 against a 5’ 2” American ranked No.76 in the world, but it turned into an epic duel, that left the crowd on Rod Laver Arena, and anyone who watched it from afar, knowing they had witnessed something quite extraordinary.

The final set lasted two hours and twenty-two minutes and Halep saved three match-points against a 24-year-old who performed exceptionally.

“I have no idea how much I ran, I just feel like my muscles are gone, my ankle is - I don’t know how it is, because I don't feel it any more,” said an exhausted Halep, in an interview with Channel 7 commentator Sam Smith.

By making the third round in Melbourne, Lauren Davis had matched her career-best result at the first Grand Slam of the year.

Her resilience is not in doubt either. The American recovered from a set down against Jana Cepelova and Andrea Petkovic in her first and second round matches respectively.

But the American, who demonstrated both a speed and a power that more than matched her illustrious opponent, took the first set in 40 minutes. Halep managed to draw level before the drama of a captivating decider unfolded.

Davis said: “I have always looked up to Halep, because she's probably like two inches taller than me. She's an incredible player. She uses her speed to take time away and rush her opponent. She's super agile and dynamic around the court. That's exactly how I play.”

Davis was unfortunate to suffer an injury to the second toes on both her feet, and required two medical timeouts in the final set.

“I think my second toes are just a bit infected,” she added. “I was just jamming them a lot with how much I was moving around the court.”

When the world No.1 finally confirmed victory, she raised her arms aloft in delight, but it was obvious just how much the marathon match had taken out of her physically.

"I gave everything I had today, and actually, I'm really proud that I could stay there and win it," said Halep. “It was not easy at all, and Lauren played great."

The Romanian will play either Ashleigh Barty or Naomi Osaka in the fourth round.

The word No.1 came into the tournament with an injury to her ankle, and it’s obviously going to be a major concern for her moving forward.

"For sure I will go on court, but I don't know how it's going to be,” admitted the 26-year-old, when asked about her prospects for the next match. “The doctor said that the risk is there because it's an injury, but I believe that it's going be fine.

"I don't know who I will play next, but for sure I have time to recover. I have one day off, so the problem is just the ankle for the moment, nothing else. We will see how it's going to be.”

Zverev’s participation in the last 32 was expected, but Chung’s involvement was less certain.

The 21-year-old Korean, in the third round for the first time, impressed as he took out the in-form, Daniil Medvedev, on Thursday.

Chung, a clean ballstriker with a great temperament, has the quality to trouble his latest opponent - and he won their only previous meeting on clay in Barcelona last year.

Zverev, who has not been firing on all cylinders since claiming his second Masters title in Montreal last August, is yet to be properly tested in the tournament. He conceded a set against Peter Gojowczyk, but it was just a minor blip in an otherwise routine victory.

This has the potential to a lengthy affair, and punishing baseline exchanges are unlikely to be in short supply. The setting nor the occasion will overawe Chung, and this might just be his time to shine.

Prediction: Zverev in five

Tomas Berdych (19) v Juan Martin del Potro (12)

Berdych and del Potro have been top players for much of the last decade, but only of them be around for the second week at Melbourne Park.

The will be the ninth meeting between the Czech and the Argentine - and del Potro leads the head to head 5-3. Both competitors have dropped sets en route to the last 32, however neither has encountered serious trouble.

Del Potro’s career is moving forward again after a difficult few years with wrist trouble - and he is back in the Top 10. It’s taken him three and a half long years to return to his rightful place, but he is at least in the ascendancy again.

In contrast, Berdych’s career appears to be on a downwards spiral. He was once a perennial Top 10 player and a regular in the latter stages of the biggest events, but he has begun to struggle with injuries and his recent results have been indifferent.

Prediction: del Potro in four

Angelique Kerber (21) v Maria Sharapova

Only two former champions remain in the women’s draw, and they are about to face off in a blockbuster third round clash.

Kerber and Sharapova have amassed seven major titles between them, but this will be their first encounter since the German entered the highly prestigious Grand Slam club.

The Russian narrowly leads the head to head count 4-3, and their last three meetings have all gone the distance.

Sharapova’s level of play has fluctuated throughout her first two matches. She has impressed in spells, but looked shaky when pushed.

If the Russian is going to prevail against her confident opponent, who is unbeaten in seven matches, then she will need to find a level of consistency that has been absent so far.

Prediction: Kerber in three

Agnieszka Radwanska (26) v Su-Wei Hsieh

For any tennis connoisseur, this is a must watch match-up.

In an era of pace and power, Radwanska and Wei Hsieh both provide a welcome alternative. The crafty pair perform with guile and flair, and their third round meeting is unlikely to be dull.

Radwanska, who endured a torrid 2017, has been taken the distance in her opening two matches yet has found a way to survive. She has reached the last four in Melbourne twice before and will view this as a golden opportunity to reach the second week.

Wei-Hsieh bewildered Garbine Muguruza with her unorthodox style in the previous round, and she is now attempting to reach the last sixteen for the first time in ten years.

Prediction: Radwanska in three

]]>Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Dimitrov fights onhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/19/dimitrov-fights-on
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/19/dimitrov-fights-onThe Bulgarian gained sweet revenge over Andrey Rublev, who he lost to at the US Open last year, as he guaranteed his participation in the second week of the tournament.

Dimitrov was a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 winner after three hours and four minutes of play.

It was a third round match played in extreme heat, and it turned into a fearsome battle that was short on quality. A combined total of 28 double-faults highlights the main problem both players had.

Dimitrov will encounter Nick Kyrgios or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last sixteen, and he intends to watch their Friday night scrap from an ice bath as he recovers from his endeavours.

“These are the most important matches for me, when things are not working and I just find a way to win,” explained the relieved Bulgarian. “Andrey is an unbelievable player and he beat me at the US Open, so I knew what to expect and I knew what to do.

“Certain things in my game are not working at the moment and I’m just pleased that I won the match.”

It was another grind for the No.3 seed, and his unreliable second serve remains his biggest concern. He won just 23% of points behind his second deal against MacKenzine McDonald on Wednesday, and his numbers were only marginally better against the Russian.

Rublev made a bright start to proceedings, but his level fluctuated throughout. The 20-year-old found it difficult at times to cope with the variety on display from his talented opponent - yet he still managed to create numerous chances to extend the match.

A break-point conversion rate of just 27% (4/15) is primarily why his time Down Under has come to an unsatisfactory end.

]]>Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Svitolina ends Kostyuk's runhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/19/svitolina-ends-kostyuks-run
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/19/svitolina-ends-kostyuks-runElina Svitolina showed no mercy in gruelling conditions as she defeated her youthful compatriot 6-2 6-2 to reach the last sixteen for the first time.

Kostyuk, the youngest player to make it through to the third round of a Grand Slam in over 20 years, showed glimpses of her phenomenal talent but it proved to be one match too far.

The teenager lacked patience from the baseline and her unforced-error count did not make for pleasant reading. She possesses all the raw ingredients required to have a prosperous future though, and her shot-selection will only improve with time.

Svitolina stated earlier this week that she was dealing with an unspecified injury, however she showed no sign of discomfort as she took less than an hour to secure her spot in the business end of the championships.

The No.4 seed dropped serve in the opening game of the contest and lost the first six points, but once she settled, the outcome was never in any serious doubt.

“I’ve never been further than the third round, so it feels great,” beamed Svitolina, post-match. “It was sad that I had to play against a Ukrainian girl as it always tough to play against someone from the same country, but I’m happy to still be alive in this tournament."

The 23-year-old paid tribute to her younger opponent, and believes this won’t be the last time we see Kostyuk competing on the big stage.

"The first time I heard about her was when she won here as a junior last year,” added Svitolina, who is yet to taste defeat this year. “She is a great fighter and always fights until the end, and as we can see, she has a bright future.

“We are definitely going to hear a lot more about her."

Svitolina will take on an unlikely fourth round opponent on Sunday. Qualifier, Denisa Allertová, ranked No.130 in the world, has gone further than ever before at a major after defeating Magda Linette 6-1 6-4.

Also on day four, birthday girl, Petra Martic, won an epic contest with Luksika Kumkhum 6-3 3-6 7-5. It’s the first time the Croatian had advanced into the round of 16 at Melbourne Park.

“It was really tough out there,” explained the 27-year-old. “I was struggling a few days ago mentally, but I was better prepared for the conditions this time – although today it was just about trying your best and surviving until the end.”

]]>Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Wawrinka urges patiencehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/19/wawrinka-urges-patience
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/19/wawrinka-urges-patienceThe 2014 champion, a major fitness doubt prior to the start of the tournament, looked less than comfortable as he suffered a heavy second round defeat to Tennys Sandgren on Thursday evening.

It was the Swiss’ first taste of competitive action since undergoing a knee operation last summer - and it showed. He remains someway short of where he wants to be, but maintains faith in his recovery process.

“I think the last 12 days gave me more than I could have dreamed of when I came here,” said the 32-year-old. “I really came without thinking I would be able to play the first match, so that's a big step for me.

“If I look really back, I only had surgery five months and three days ago. To be this far already, it's more than my team and I could have expected. For sure, it was extremely tough to feel that way on the court, to lose that way, even if my opponent played well.”

Wawrinka is adamant that his rehabilitation programme is working well, however he believes a sense of perspective is required when judging his performances and results.

“I’m sure if I look at what has happened over the last 12 days, then I can build a lot of confidence - because every day I was improving. Even today my knee was feeling way better than two days ago. If I look the big picture, I know it's really positive.”

The Swiss No.2 will return to action at the Marseille Open next month, but in the meantime, his focus is purely on working hard on the court. “My plan is to leave here and go back to practice,” he added.

“Fitness first, then both together with tennis. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I need to be really patient.

Dimitrov has the opportunity to avenge his defeat to Rublev at the US Open last year.

The Bulgarian, one of the pre-tournament favourites, flirted with disaster in his second round clash with American qualifier, MacKenzine McDonald.

It took the No.3 seed five-sets to overcome his lowly ranked rival and he was far from complimentary when analysing his own performance. He has survived an almighty scare and remains in the mix, however he will be wary of what’s to come.

Rublev, a precocious talent, believes attack is the best form of defence - and his sizzling shotmaking has helped him become an instant crowd-pleaser.

The 20-year-old has already knocked down two veterans en route to the last 32 – David Ferrer and Marcos Baghdatis – however he was forced to expend significant amounts of energy while doing so.

This third round match is due to take place in soaring temperatures, and that should assist the cause of the more experienced campaigner.

Prediction: Dimitrov in four

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (15) v Nick Kyrgios (17)

This has the potential to be the ultimate popcorn match.

Both competitors are blessed with significant firepower, and neither player is likely to hold back as they strive for a last sixteen berth.

Tsonga and Kyrgios have similar traits and both are capable of drifting between the sublime and the ridiculous. The pair have the finesse to match their brawn though, and it won’t simply be a baseline gunfight.

Kyrgios has enjoyed a blemish-free run so far, but the same cannot be said for his French opponent. Tsonga, a former finalist at Melbourne Park, roared back from the brink of defeat to stun Denis Shapovalov on Wednesday.

It was a monumental win for the 32-year-old, who has struggled for victories at Grand Slams since reaching the last eight 12 months ago. Tsonga showed his mettle when it really counted against the Canadian, and he will expect to carry the momentum into his next match.

Prediction: Kyrgios in four

Caroline Wozniacki (2) v Kiki Bertens (30)

It’s hard to believe that Wozniacki still remains in the hunt for a maiden Grand Slam title.

The Dane appeared certain to be heading towards the exit door when she trailed Jana Fett 5-1 in a deciding set on Wednesday, however her renowned battling qualities helped her scrape through.

Her Croatian opponent, overcome with nerves, contributed to her own demise but the No.2 seed once again highlighted why she can never be counted out – no matter the scoreline.

Such an unexpected win should give Wozniacki a new lease of life in the competition and she will take comfort from her head to head record with her next opponent. The 27-year-old has won both meetings with the Dutchwoman and has not even dropped a set.

Bertens is attempting to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time. She has reached the round of 32 after convincing victories over Catherine Bellis and Nicole Gibbs.

Prediction: Wozniacki in 2

Elina Svitolina (4) v Marta Kostyuk

23 year-old Elina Svitolina will encounter a player eight years her junior today.

Marta Kostyuk has provided the feel-good story of the tournament so far. The 15-year-old is the youngest player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in 1997.

The young Ukraine has written her name into the history books, and she now has the chance to test her game against her esteemed compatriot. It’s a dream come true for Kostyuk, who will get to sample the delights of Rod Laver Arena.

Svitolina is expected to dismiss her youthful opponent without much difficulty and reach the last sixteen for the first time, but she will be aware that the spectators will be cheering for the underdog.

It promises to be a fascinating match-up.

Prediction: Svitolina in 2

]]>Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic sees off Monfilshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/18/djokovic-sees-off-monfils
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/18/djokovic-sees-off-monfilsThe former world No.1 racked up a 15th consecutive victory over Gael Monfils as he advanced into the third round of the Australian Open for an 11th time.

It took the Serbian 2 hours and 45 minutes of hard graft to defeat his French rival 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-3.

It was an eagerly anticipated match-up between two high-class players, however the stifling heat negatively impacted the quality on display.

Monfils really struggled to cope in the unforgiving conditions, and at one stage it was unclear whether he would complete the match.

The contest did go the distance, but for a long spell in the middle the Frenchman was barely competitive as he wilted in the heat. He rallied in the fourth set, but Djokovic extinguished any hopes of a stirring comeback.

It was predominantly a war of attrition, but there was the occasional flash of brilliance to keep the viewer intrigued.

Djokovic was always in control after a sketchy first set, but his second serve was suspect and he committed 11 double-faults. “It was obvious that we both suffered on the court today,” said the 30-year-old post-match.

“The conditions were brutal, especially for the first hour and a half. I came into the match knowing it was going to be a big challenge. Gael is one of the best athletes in our sport and moves around so well.

“I was just trying to hang in there and use every opportunity presented. Obviously Gael wasn’t at his best at the end of the second and through the third set, but the fourth could have gone either way.

“Obviously it’s still not a 100 per cent but it’s building,” he added, when asked about his troublesome elbow. “I have a lot of faith and self-belief, and I know what I’m capable of."

It’s the biggest win of the 32-year-old’s career and it’s just the second time she has been victorious against a Top 20 opponent.

Her unorthodox style befuddled the No.3 seed, and the crafty veteran was understandably emotional as she took the acclaim of the appreciative crowd.

Muguruza was untidy from the baseline and and her forehand was the source of much of her angst. It’s been an inauspicious start to 2018 for the Spaniard, and she certainly did not enjoy playing in the intense heat.

"She's (Su-Wei) definitely a very tricky opponent, and even more so when she plays well," said Muguruza, who was hampered by a blister on her right foot.

"I think today she played well. I maybe could have done things better, but at the end, she deserves to win. That's really it."

Su-Wei will challenge Agnieszka Radwanska, in the third round on Saturday. The Pole came from behind to eliminate Lesia Tsurenko 2-6 7-5 6-3.

Caroline Garcia, the No.8 seed, edged a marathon duel with Markéta Vondroušová 6-7(3) 6-2 8-6 to reach the last 32 for a second time.

“It was definitely a battle, and I’m very happy to be through,” said the Frenchwoman, in her post-match interview. “The beginning of the match was good for me, but then I got tight. I tried to stay calm and kept fighting until the end.”

Karolina Pliskova enjoyed a smoother passage into the third round. The big-serving Czech blitzed Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1 6-1 in just 44 minutes.

]]>Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Shenzhen to host WTA FInalshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/18/shenzhen-to-host-wta-finals
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/18/shenzhen-to-host-wta-finalsChina’s 11th biggest city was picked ahead of other candidates due to the strength of their bid – and they have big plans for the season-finale.

The event will take place at a state-of-the-art venue in the city’s downtown area, with seating for 12,000 people, and there will be a record prize-money pot of $14 million for the Top eight singles players and the Top eight doubles players.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that the dynamic city of Shenzhen has been chosen to host the WTA Finals, the WTA's crown jewel season finale, for the next decade,” said Steve Simon, WTA CEO and Chairman.

"This will easily be the largest and most significant WTA Finals deal in the 45 years since the WTA was founded and promises to take the event to a spectacular new level.”

"Shenzhen is an exciting, fast-evolving metropolis of 68 million people and staging the WTA Finals there will ensure the WTA’s global fan base goes from strength to strength,” added Micky Lawler, WTA President.

World No.1 Simona Halep, who was runner-up at the WTA Finals in Singapore in 2014 and won the Shenzhen Open in 2015 and 2018, said: “I have chosen to start my season in Shenzhen for a few years now, and I am thrilled that the city has been selected to stage the WTA Finals."

The WTA Finals is currently held in Singapore.

]]>Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Sharapova makes quick progresshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/18/sharapova-makes-quick-progress
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/18/sharapova-makes-quick-progressThe former champion, in her first outing on Rod Laver Arena in two years, overcame a late second set wobble to dismiss Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 7-6(4) in 81 minutes at the Australian Open.

It’s just the Russian’s third Top 20 victory since her return from suspension last April, and she could encounter another previous winner in the third round on Saturday if Angelique Kerber avoids an upset against Donna Vekic.

Prior to her second round match, Sharapova admitted she was wary of the threat posed by the Latvian, an opponent she has struggled against in the past. The pair had met twice before, and they were both unforgiving affairs.

“She is a tough opponent,” acknowledged Sharapova. “She has a game that’s very tricky on any day – no matter whether the conditions are cold or warm – and I knew I had to get a really good start. Ultimately, I’m just happy to get through on a day like this.”

With a possible last 32 encounter with Kerber on the horizon, Sharapova intends to view the German’s second round match, scheduled for later today. “I love to watch, and I love to study when I have to,” added the Russian.

"I look forward to watching that match, but obviously I want to concentrate on myself. We have played against each other many times and there are no secrets, but it has been a while.”

In the opening set of the contest, Sharapova was at her destructive best, skelping forehands and dominating her opponent’s tentative second serve. It was all too easy for the 30-year-old, however matters became decidedly more complicated in the second set.

Sevastova, who spent the majority of the early stages scampering and scurrying behind the baseline without success, performed with greater purpose in the second set. Sharapova’s level began to fluctuate and a raft of mistakes tended to follow a barrage of winners.

The Russian squandered a break advantage on three occasions, but she regrouped in the tiebreak and her superior firepower helped her avoid the drama of a deciding set.

On paper, this looks the most enticing match-up of the tournament so far – but Monfils has always struggled against the 12-time Grand Slam champion.

Djokovic has won all 14 previous encounters with his French counterpart, and it’s the 11th most dominant head to head record in the Open era. The matches are often competitive, but Monfils has generally failed to maximise his opportunities.

The Serbian’s troubles in 2017 have been well documented, but Monfils also endured an injury-hit campaign. The 31-year-old, keen to banish the memories of a difficult season, started 2018 on the right note by netting the Qatar Open.

Djokovic was outstanding in his demolition of Donald Young on Tuesday and showed little sign of rust. The six-time winner faces a higher calibre opponent later today though, and he will hope to build on a promising opening.

Prediction: Djokovic in four

Hyeon Chung v Daniil Medvedev

Chung and Medvedev met at the semi-final stage of the inaugural ATP NextGen Finals in Milan last year – and it is likely to be a match-up that is seen frequently throughout the next decade.

The Russian was beaten by the Korean on that occasion, but his early season form would suggest that he is the favourite to advance to the last 32 at Melbourne Park.

Both Chung and Medvedev are attempting to break new ground at the first Grand Slam of the year. Neither player has made it beyond the second round before.

Medvedev does not receive the same fanfare as his compatriots Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov, but he does quietly, and effectively, go about his business.

His maiden ATP title success in Sydney last week highlighted his progress, and he has the firepower to achieve much, much more in future.

Prediction: Medvedev in four

Simona Halep (1) v Eugenie Bouchard

In the summer of 2014, Halep and Bouchard faced off in the semi-finals of Wimbledon. It was the Canadian who edged it on that occasion, but her career has been a downward spiral ever since.

The now world No.112, often goes lengthy periods without victories - and her opening round win over Oceane Dodin was her first success since August.

Bouchard’s career has stalled, but occasionally she does post a reminder as to why she was once tipped to become a major champion.

The Canadian tends to save her best for Grand Slams, and she will relish the chance to tackle the world No.1 on Margaret Court Arena.

Halep failed to impress in her scratchy first round win over Australian wildcard entry, Destanee Aiava, and a twisted ankle did little to brighten her mood. The top seed will expect Bouchard to provide a stiff challenge, and she will need to perform much better than she did on Tuesday.

Prediction: Halep in three

Angelique Kerber (21) v Donna Vekic

Angelique Kerber, refreshed and rejuvenated after an instantly forgettable 2017, entered the winner’s circle for an 11th time at the Sydney International last week. She is unbeaten in six matches and is back competing with fearsome intent.

Vekic appeared to be heading nowhere fast after an initial early burst, however she has resurrected her floundering career. The 21-year-old, who came so close to eliminating Johanna Konta at Wimbledon last year, is now a dangerous proposition for any player.

Vekic completed her Australian Open preparations by reaching the last eight of the Hobart International, and she will be encouraged by her start to the year.

Kerber won her only previous encounter with Vekic at the Western & Southern Open last summer in two tight sets.

Prediction: Kerber in three

]]>Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Nadal passes Mayer testhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/nadal-passes-mayer-test
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/nadal-passes-mayer-testThe Argentine played his part in a high quality contest with Rafael Nadal, but even his best efforts were not enough for him to sneak a set against the Spanish workhorse.

The world No.1 was a fitness doubt prior to the opening Grand Slam of the season, however he appears to be in excellent physical condition. He unleashed 40 winners and coughed up just 10 unforced-errors as he clocked an impressive 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) victory.

The lopsided scoreline does not accurately reflect the closeness of the match, but Nadal was always one step ahead of his plucky opponent. Mayer’s display highlighted what he is capable of producing, but a lack of consistency is primarily why he has a losing record as a professional.

The majority of the drama unfolded at the business of the third set. Mayer committed three double-faults to gift his opponent an unexpected 5-4 advantage - and his chance to prolong the duel appeared to be over.

Nadal attempted to apply the finishing touches, but the Argentine roared back and secured his first break of the match thanks to a fine backhand return winner.

A tiebreak was eventually necessary, and it was a pair of sublime passing-shots from the former champion that proved to be the telling difference.

“It was an important victory for me,” said the Spaniard, who will encounter Damir Dzumhur next. “Leonardo is a tough opponent and has big potential. The last couple of games were very tough and I had to hit some great shots in the tiebreak.

“I’m happy to be in the third round after a while without being in competition. It’s a second victory in a row for me, and that’s very important.”

]]>Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Edmund strolls into third roundhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/edmund-strolls-into-third-round
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/edmund-strolls-into-third-roundThe Englishman was in full flow throughout his brisk second round clash with Denis Istomin - and he achieved a 6-2 6-2 6-4 victory in just 96 minutes.

Edmund had to fight and scrap to achieve a career-best win over Kevin Anderson on Monday, but a different type of performance was required against the Uzbekistani, who famously defeated Novak Djokovic 12 months ago.

The Brit used his superior firepower to establish control immediately. His imposing forehand, one of the best around, was red-hot from the outset and he wasted little time stamping his authority on the match.

Istomin struggled to cope with the aggressive intent from his youthful rival and offered little resistance. He appeared flat and seemed bothered by an ankle problem.

Edmund, who smacked an impressive 38 winners and committed just 20 unforced-errors, led from the first point until the last. He performed with a swagger that has not always been apparent, and has a real opportunity to progress even further.

World No.61, Nikoloz Basilashvili, will provide Edmund with his next challenge. The Georgian breezed into the last 32 after a 7-5 6-1 6-3 victory over Rubens Bemelmans.

“Even though the scoreline looks straightforward, there is always the danger of a player like Denis coming back into it,” said Edmund, who is into the third round at Melbourne Park for the first time.

“We all saw what Denis did he here last year, so I’m very happy. It was a professional performance and after having a four-hour match on Monday, it was really good to get it done much quicker today.

“The plan is always to get through, no matter how long it takes. If it takes five hours, then so be it, but it was only an hour and a half today which was perfect.”

]]>Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Svitolina to face teenagerhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/svitolina-to-face-teenager
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/svitolina-to-face-teenagerAt the start of the tournament you would have expected that player to be world No.4 Elina Svitolina, but it could be a teenager from Kiev instead.

15-year-old Marta Kostyuk made history by becoming the youngest player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam in 21 years.

The teenager was understandably overjoyed after her 6-3 7-5 win over Olga Rogowska and she will now get to test her skills against one of the finest around on Friday.

“I will just enjoy it,” said the youngster, when asked about her upcoming clash with Svitolina.

“I think I'm going to play on a big court again, but I will just try to show my best tennis, because I'm pretty sure, like all my opponents, she will struggle a little bit - and I will try to use this.”

Kostyuk managed to win the junior girls title iat Melbourne Park 12 months ago, and Svitolina is well aware of her young compatriot.

“The first time I heard about her when she won here,” said the 23-year-old, after her hard-fought win over Kateřina Siniaková. “It's pretty cool that I'm playing someone from my country.

“I watched a little bit of her first round match. She has nothing to lose, so that's why I know she goes just for everything. I will try to prepare and be ready for her game.

“For me, it's very important for me to be there with my game and not to really think about who is on the other side.”

]]>Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Svitolina battles onhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/svitolina-battles-on
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/17/svitolina-battles-onThe Ukrainian may have her extended her winning run to seven matches, but she was forced to withstand significant pressure in the unforgiving Melbourne heat before getting the better of Kateřina Siniaková 4-6 6-2 6-1.

The No.4 seed was under the cosh in the opener, but her erratic opponent, who had a medical timeout for a physical issue at the end of the second set, faded as the contest progressed.

“It was not easy, I was struggling a bit in the sun,” admitted Svitolina, who is looking forward to a spell in the shade. “She [Siniaková] played great in the first set. I gave her one break and the chance to dominate, so it was kind of my mistake.”

After bagging five titles last year, the Ukrainian is widely tipped to enjoy a deep run at the ‘Happy Slam’, but she is keen not to look too far ahead.

“Winning Brisbane and having a good 2017 was great, but this is a Grand Slam,” added the 23-year-old. “Every opponent is very tough, and as we saw yesterday, there are no easy matches here."

Her reward is a third round showdown with this year’s surprise package.

Marta Kostyuk from Ukraine, aged just 15-years-old, made history by becoming the youngest player to reach the last 32 of a Grand Slam for 21 years after a 6-3 7-5 success over Olivia Rogowska.

Siniaková fearless and courageous play enabled her to dictate proceedings in the early stages. Her backhand, especially diirected down the line, was a revelation and Svitolina was forced to clock up the miles in defence.

A single break achieved in the seventh game of the first set allowed Siniaková to move halfway towards an unlikely victory. Svitolina had been overpowered, however she did sqaunder ample opportunities to respond.

It was always going to be tough for the Czech to maintain such a high standard, and the unforced-errors began to flow from her strings at an alarming rate in the second set.

Svitlolina gleefully capitalised on her opponent’s drop in level and soon showed glimpses of the form that took her to the Brisbane title earlier this month.

The Ukrainian was in the ascendancy, and she kept her foot on the accelerator. Siniakova tried desperately to claw her way back into contention, but she was only able to nab a consolation game in a one-sided deciding set.

The pair met at the same stage of the US Open in September, and it was the gallus youngster who prevailed in convincing fashion.

Shapovalov netted his first win ever win at the Australian Open on Monday by easing past fellow NextGen prospect, Stefanos Tsitsipas. It was another significant moment in the blossoming career of the Canadian, and he will relish the chance to perform on Margaret Court Arena.

Tsonga, who reached the last eight in Melbourne last year, commenced his campaign with a thumping 6-4 6-4 6-1 success over Kevin King. He has struggled to maintain optimum fitness in recent times, but can never be discounted.

A pulsating scrap between two of the more watchable players in the draw is anticipated.

Prediction: Tsonga in four

Andrey Rublev (30) v Marcos Baghdatis

It would not be the Australian Open if Baghdatis were not involved in an exciting contest. The charismatic Cypriot, who is always roared on by vociferous supporters, will test his skills against the Russian shotmaker.

It’s been 12 years since Baghdatis reached the final in Melbourne, and his time at the top is coming to an end. The 32-year-old is ranked outside the Top 100 and he has slipped off the radar as a result, but he remains fun to watch when firing on all cylinders.

Rublev edged a tricky first round clash with David Ferrer in five energy-sapping sets, and he will look for a more straightforward route past the Cypriot.

With hot temperatures expected, the Russian will be keen to avoid another physical duel, and the first set will be of huge importance. With a win, the 20-year-old will reach the third round for the first time.

Prediction: Rublev in four

Elina Svitolina (4) v Katerina Siniakova

At the US Open in September, Svitolina encountered Siniakova in the first round and progressed after a three-set battle.

The Ukrainian’s baseline consistency proved to be key on that occasion, and it would not be a surprise if a pragmatic approach helps her again.

Svitolina is amongst the trophy contenders and her title-winning run in Brisbane at the start of the month did little to dampen expectations. She is confident and fit, and will expect to negotiate her second round match without significant drama.

Siniakova squeezed into the round of 64 after a 6-2 6-7(5) 4-6 win over Maria Sakkari. It’s just the second time the Czech has reached this stage at the first Grand Slam of the year - and she will need to produce a near-perfect performance to get the better of the Ukrainian.

Julia Goerges (12) v Alize Cornet

The women’s event, as was the case last year, is wide open.

There are a number of contenders for the title, and Goerges has definitely emerged as a potential champion. The German is on an extradorinary run of form and she has won her last 15 matches – stretching back to October.

The 29-year-old, in the form of her life, is expected to breeze through the early stages and she has made a bright start to the tournament. She soared past Sofia Kenin and will expect to maintain her 100% record against Alize Cornet.

It’s never dull when the temperamental Frenchwoman is around, and she has started 2018 well. The 27-year-old reached the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International and dismissed Wang Qiang in he first round on Monday for the loss of just four games.

Can Cornet halt the German juggernaut? Probably not, but she could keep it close.

Prediction: Goerges in three

]]>Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic turns on the stylehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/16/djokovic-turns-on-the-style
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/16/djokovic-turns-on-the-styleNovak Djokovic was in scintillating form as he defeated Donald Young 6-1 6-2 6-4 in the first round of the Australian Open

The former world No.1 exceeded all expectations on his return to match action after a six-month lay-off - and it’s entirely plausible that he may depart Melbourne in a fortnight’s time undefeated.

It quickly became apparent that Djokovic, who at one stage led his opponent 6-1 5-0, had lost none of his powers of recovery. His defensive skills remain incomparable and his speed is still intact.

The Serbian impressed, especially in the first two sets, but Young contributed to his own downfall. He made an error-strewn start and never really settled until the match was already beyond his reach.

Djokovic was sporting his new ASICS shoes and a compression sleeve, but his problematic right elbow did not seem to negatively impact his serve. He posted good numbers behind his delivery, but was rarely tested by the American.

“It feels great to be back on a tennis court and there is nowhere better for me to start after six months out injured than here in Australia,” said the No.14 seed. “It’s obviously been a long period for me without competition or official matches, but I used this time to spend quality time with my family.

“I’d never faced this particular situation in my career before. I think ever since I started playing professional tennis, I’ve been absent for one month maximum – so I never missed a Grand Slam. It was different, but it had to come eventually.

“Unfortunately this elbow has been with me for a while and it escalated last year around Roland Garros and Wimbledon so I had to take some time off. Injury is something no athlete wishes to have, but it did allow me time to reflect on my life, my game and spend more time with the family.”

Another returnee, Stan Wawrinka, also progressed into the second round. The Swiss was made to work hard by Ricardas Berankis, but he managed to narrowly avoid a fifth set and seal a 6-3 6-4 2-6 7-6(2) win.

Wawrinka fell an early break behind in the fourth set, but he overcame tiredness to get the job done. “That was a tough battle, for sure,” admitted the 2014 champion, post-match.

“I was just happy to be back on the court and playing my first match here in front of a great crowd. It was really special today.”

Wawrinka admits the road to full fitness after his knee operation was bumpy, but he is thrilled to finally be back doing what he loves most of all.

“It was tough for me after surgery, it’s never easy for an athlete to be struggling to comeback,” added the 32-year-old. “I was suffering a lot during the rehabilitation programme and fitness-wise, I had a lot of doubts, but I’m proud to be back already.”

]]>Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Konta makes strong starthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/16/konta-makes-strong-start
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/16/konta-makes-strong-startThe British No.1 looked confident and assured as she booked her spot in the second round of the Australian Open after a commanding 6-3 6-1 success over Madison Brengle.

Adding Maria Sharapova’s former coach, Michael Joyce, to her team appears to have revitalised Konta, and she is back performing to an exceptionally high standard.

Her American opponent, a grafter without significant weaponry, struggled to disrupt her opponent’s baseline rhythm after a competitive start to the match.

Konta served beautifully throughout, firing down a total of 8 aces, and she was understandably thrilled to pass her first test with flying colours.

“I’m very happy with that match,” said the No.9 seed, after her 66-minute workout.

“I knew it was going to be tough against her [Brengle]. You saw in so many points that she gets a lot of balls back and makes her opponents work for it, so I’m very happy and pleased that I stuck to the style of play that I wanted out there.”

The opening day of the Australian Open saw Coco Vandeweghe and Sloane Stephens exit the tournament after defeats, but Konta was not surprised to see a number of top seeds tumble so early in the competition.

“It’s testament to how many great first and second rounds we have on the women side,” added the Brit. “Honestly, some of the first round matches that you see being played are of such a high quality. It just shows how much depth we have in the women’s game right now.”

With temperatures expected to soar in Melbourne later this week, playing conditions will only get harder for the competitors, however Konta is not fazed by the possibility of playing in extreme heat.

“I love it,” said the 26-year-old with a smile, when asked about the imminent weather change. “I love the Australian heat and it’s some of the nicest rays of sunshine you can get. I’m looking forward to it.”

Bernarda Pera, a lucky loser, will provide Konta with her next challenge in the second round. The world No.123 bagged her first ever Grand Slam win by easing past Anna Blinkova 6-2 6-2.

The 23-year-old received her place in the main draw after Margarita Gaspayran pulled out with an injury.

]]>Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Sharapova makes winning returnhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/16/sharapova-makes-winning-return
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/16/sharapova-makes-winning-returnThe Russian, who missed last year’s edition of the ‘Happy Slam’ due to a doping violation, was greeted by rapturous applause as she made her way on to Margaret Court Arena for her first round match.

On the tenth anniversary of her only win at Melbourne Park, Sharapova made the ideal start – despite her level of play fluctuating throughout the 78-minute contest. The 30-year-old hit more unforced-errors than winners, and was erratic from the baseline at times.

“It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been out here so I wanted to enjoy the moment,” said Sharapova. ‘It was really meaningful for me to be out here today and I was just happy to get it done in two sets.

“Just like everyone in the draw here, I know it’s only going to get tougher with every match I play. It’s only tougher opponents moving forward."

If the No.14 seed, Anastasija Sevastova, wins her first round match against Varvara Lepchenko, she will encounter Sharapova on Thursday. The Latvian prevailed in her previous meeting with the Russian in Beijing last October.

“I believe I could have a tough one in the next round against someone [Sevastova} who I’ve had a lot of trouble against in the last few months. It’s a challenge, but that’s why this is called a Grand Slam, and that’s why it’s so meaningful when you are the last one holding the trophy.”

Another former champion enjoyed the sweet taste of victory. Angelique Kerber downed her compatriot, Anna-Lena Friedsam, 6-0 6-4. The former world No.1 was the dominant force in the opener but she encountered turbulence in a fiercely contest second set.

“I started really well and I was really feeling the ball from beginning," explained the 29-year-old. "Anna-Lena played better and better, especially at the end of the match, and she was fighting until the last point. That’s why she is so dangerous.”

Kerber endured a dismal campaign last year, and she is not keen to dwell on the past. “I’ve said goodbye to 2017 already,” added the German, who won the Sydney International on Saturday.

“I’m not looking back, and I’m just happy that a new season had started and I’m feeling good.”

Elsewhere on the grounds, Karolina Pliskova notched a comfortable 6-3 6-4 win over Verónica Cepede Royg to start her campaign on the right note.

There were also victories for Caroline Garcia, Elena Vesnina, Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova.

A first round clash involving Djokovic is usually nothing more than a formality, however this will be his competitive comeback after a six-month absence.

The former world No.1, who looked sharp and alert in a warm-up match against Dominic Thiem at the Kooyong Classic last week, will hope that his body is willing as he attempts to win an unprecedented seventh Australian Open crown.

Djokovic showcased a slightly changed service motion against the Austrian – in an effort to protect his troublesome elbow - and it will be fascinating to see if his new action helps or hinders his cause.

Young, ranked No.63 in the world, will view this is a legitimate chance to push his illustrious opponent, but he will still do well to nab a set.

Prediction: Djokovic in three

Juan Martin del Potro (12) v Frances Tiafoe

Tiafoe has not had much luck with Grand Slam draws recently.

The likeable teenager bumped into Roger Federer in the first round of the US Open last year - and will commence his Australian Open campaign against del Potro.

He managed to push the Swiss to five-sets in the Big Apple, and he came almighty close to defeating his latest opponent in Acapulco last February.

Tiafoe has perhaps not made progress at the rate he would have liked, but he is talented enough to pose a serious threat to the Argentine.

Del Potro, fresh from reaching the final of the Auckland Classic last week, is competing in Melbourne for the first time in four years. His career has been repeatedly interrupted by injury, however he looks fit and is raring to go.

Prediction: Del Potro in four

Sam Querrey (13) v Feliciano Lopez

This opening round clash is unlikely to be a swift affair.

The attacking attributes of both players are well known and it’s going to be a serve-dominated encounter filled with quick points. Breaks of serve will likely be rare and tiebreaks are anticipated.

This will be the 10th meeting between Querrey and Lopez. The Spaniard has won six of their previous duels, however they have not clashed in nearly three years.

Querrey saved his best for the majors in 2017, and he will hope to achieve similar results at the biggest events again. Perhaps surprisingly, the 30-year-old has never made it beyond the third round in Melbourne and he will have to be alert to avoid an early exit.

The evergreen Lopez, in his 21st year as a professional, is competing in a 64th consecutive Grand Slam – a remarkable achievement.

Prediction: Querrey in four

Petra Kvitova (27) v Andrea Petkovic

This is a first round meeting between two former Top 10 players.

Kvitova makes a welcome return to the Australian Open after being forced to miss last year's edition due to being stabbed in the hand by an intruder at home.

It’s been a long road back to the top tier for the Czech, but she is relishing the new season after a productive pre-season training camp. Her first tournament of this year ended at the last sixteen stage of the Sydney International.

Petkovic endured a difficult 2017 as she struggled to string consecutive wins together. A new year should provide her with fresh impetus though, and she will hope a clash with a familiar foe will inspire her to perform.

The Czech has won five of her nine previous meetings with the lowly ranked German, and she will expect to prevail again this time.

Prediction: Kvitova in three

Yulia Putintseva v Heather Watson

Both competitors, separated by sixteen ranking spots, will view this first round contest as a glorious opportunity to progress.

Putintseva and Watson have met twice before, but not since 2015, and each player has netted one victory.

Watson, who has only been beyond the opening round at the Australian Open once in the last four years, enjoyed a run to the semi-finals of the Hobart International last week.

The Brit is confident and ready for the challenges ahead, but she will do well to overcome the 23-year-old from Kazakhstan.

Prediction: Watson in three

]]>Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Edmund digs deephttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/15/edmund-digs-deep
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/15/edmund-digs-deepThe Englishman claimed the biggest win of his career as he rallied from a break down in a topsy-turvy decider to down No.11 seed, Kevin Anderson, 6-7(4) 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 and register his first ever victory in Melbourne.

Edmund, who suffered an agonising five-set defeat to Anderson at the French Open last year, was unusually animated throughout the lengthy tussle and his gutsy attitude helped him overcome the US Open finalist.

Time and again Edmund was forced to dig deep, but on each occasion he mustered a suitable response. The British No.2 has struggled to capitalise on promising situations in the past, and he will hope this victory signals the end of his generosity.

At one stage in the match, Anderson won 26 consecutive points on serve. Edmund also watched 35 aces whistle past him yet he still found a way to break his crestfallen rival four times.

"The match was such a rollercoaster,” said the weary-looking Brit after his fine win. “You just have to stay as tough as you can, there are going to be blips, but I’m just really happy.

"We had a five-set match in Paris, so I was thinking I’ve got to get this, I can’t let the same thing happen again. I got broken early (in the decider) but I’m just really, really pleased with how I stayed tough and broke him twice at the end of the match.”

Elsewhere on the grounds, John Isner suffered a shock defeat. The big-serving American, who was a possible last sixteen opponent for Rafael Nadal, fell to Matthew Ebden in four sets.

Grigor Dimitrov, tipped by many to lift the title, conceded just six games as he dismissed Dennis Novak with considerable ease.

“I’ll take it match by match,” said the Bulgarian, when asked if he is ready to win a maiden Grand Slam. “It’s a dream of mine, I’m not going to lie. The only thing I can do is keep progressing and build on every match that I have.”

]]>Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Bencic thrilled with big winhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/15/bencic-thrilled-with-big-win
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/15/bencic-thrilled-with-big-winThe opening round clash between Venus Williams and Belinda Bencic had the potential to be a blockbuster, and it certainly delivered on the entertainment factor. It was youth pitted against experience - and the underdog managed to dislodge the veteran 6-3 7-5.

Bencic could scarcely believe she had managed to achieve a first victory over Williams at the fifth attempt, but her attack-minded display meant progression to the next stage was fully merited.

"It means so much to me," said the delighted Swiss post-match.

"I lost to Venus four times and I tried my best to give my all today, and changed some things tactically. I think it was a huge opportunity and I used it, so I was very relived after the match-point."

Bencic, a former Top 10 player, endured a torrid time with physical issues last year and underwent left wrist surgery in May. She found wins difficult to attain when she returned, however her willingness to drop down a level in an effort to rebuild confidence proved to be a wise move.

The 20-year-old finished 2017 with a glut of silverware. She bagged three titles in a row on the ITF Circuit - in Hua Hin, Chinese Taipei and Dubai – and has carried her fine form into the new season.

Bencic’s time out of the spotlight helped her take stock and she is simply thrilled to be back competing. "After the injury and the tough times, it's really an amazing feeling," she added.

"It was a difficult five months. I think that changes your perspective lot. I’m enjoying it much more and appreciating that I can just play. I’m not thinking so much about winning and losing, I’m just happy to be on the court.”

While Bencic looked sharp and alert, Williams looked sluggish and uncertain. Last year’s finalist suffered an early defeat in Sydney last week and her lack of match-time perhaps contributed to her unusually loose performance.

“I think she played well,” acknowledged the 37-year-old, after her 18th Australian Open campaign came to a premature end. “I don't think I played a bad match. She just played above and beyond. I just have to give her credit for that.

“I didn't play so bad, I wasn't missing every shot. It just didn't work out.”

Bencic will challenge either Luksika Kumkhum or Johanna Larsson in the second round on Wednesday.

The understated 27-year-old finished last season impressively. He reached the final of the ATP Finals - defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer en route - and almost fired Belgium to a first ever Davis Cup success.

Goffin made it to the last eight of the Australian Open last year before being comprehensively outplayed by Grigor Dimitrov. He has undoubtedly improved since then, but maintaining his rich vein of form for an extended period will be challenging.

The next step for Goffin is to contend for a major title. He should not fear any opponent and will revel in the relatively quick conditions in Australia.

The Argentine is involved at the opening Grand Slam of the season for the first time in four years. He has not recorded his best results in Melbourne, however he has rarely made the jaunt Down Under at optimum fitness.

A fine end to a fairly low-key 2017 season for del Potro included a semi-final appearance at the US Open in September. He made a late bid to qualify for the ATP Finals London, but was unable to punch his ticket to London.

The 29-year-old, ranked No.12 in the world, embarked on an arduous pre-season training programme in an effort to be primed for the challenges ahead - and his hard work helped him reach the final of last week’s Auckland Classic.

Roberto Bautista Agut denied del Potro in New Zealand, but the former US Open champion has the attributes to floruish in the next few weeks.

Will the temperamental Australian fulfil his enormous potential in 2018?

He has certainly made a promising start.

The 22-year-old claimed his first title on home soil at the Brisbane International after dismissing Ryan Harrison in a one-sided final.

Kyrgios has already carved out a lucrative career for himself but he has the ability to achieve so much more. His results at Grand Slam level in 2017, which he readily admits, were not befitting a player of his calibre.

He suffered a shock defeat to Andreas Seppi in the second round of his home major 12 months ago and will expect to perform considerably better this time.

The Australian No.1 has been placed in a good section of the draw and could encounter Grigor Dimitrov - who he defeated in Brisbane earlier this month - at the fourth round stage.

The Canadian’s 2017 season was wrecked by injuries and he has slipped down the pecking order as a consequence.

The world No.23 tends to perform well in Australia, although his season started on a sour note after losing to Alex de Minaur in the last sixteen of Brisbane.

Whether the 27-year-old will be able to cope with the rigorous demands of a two-week Grand Slam remains to be seen, but if he holds up physically, he has the firepower to contend.

Raonic came agonisingly close to reaching the final of the Australian Open in 2016 and he remains fiercely ambitious. His thirst for major silverware is unlikely to be quenched in Melbourne, but he will hope to be competitive in the second week and lay down a maker for the remainder of the campaign.

The exciting Russian is firmly on the road to fulfilling his sizeable potential. In 2017, he claimed the first title of his career in Umag and became a surprise quarter-finalist at the US Open.

He is blessed with significant firepower and is always keen to display his shotmaking skills. His eagerness to be assertive can be more of a hindrance than a help at times though, however he is still in the infancy of his career and will become a more rounded performer in the months and years ahead.

It’s never dull when Rublev is around, and he recently made it to the final of the Qatar Open.

]]>Sun, 14 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Federer having funhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/14/federer-having-fun
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/14/federer-having-funSpeaking on the eve of the 2018 Australian Open, the World No.2, who will face Aljaz Bedene in his opening match, stated that he was pleased with his training sessions coming into the event.

“I was able to practice as much as I wanted to, which is good, which I didn’t do at the US Open,” said the defending champion.

“There (New York) it was all about managing the energy and the body, hoping to be able to play. Whereas here, it’s been constantly playing and practicing how hopefully I can play during the Australian Open.”

Federer teamed up with Belinda Bencic at the Hopman Cup in Perth at the start of the year - and they won the title together.

“It was great preparation last year,” remarked the Swiss. “I think it’s going to be helpful again for me this year because the court plays exactly the same in Perth as here in Melbourne.”

Asked if he was enjoying his tennis more than ever, Federer’s response was familiar.

“I’ve always enjoyed it,” he added.

“I love the time when I was coming up and playing my heroes from TV. I mean that was extremely cool. It’s like a little boy in the candy store back in the day.

“When I was No.1 in the world, wining all those tournaments, that was a lot of fun too. Now it’s different. Now I have a big family. I have a lot of friends that travel the world with me.

“Is it the best ever? I’m not sure. It’s definitely a lot of fun right now.”

Vandeweghe, who cracked the Top 10 for the first time in November, reached the last four of the two hard-court majors and excelled in the team game.

She became the first player to win eight Fed Cup rubbers in a single year - in singles and doubles - since the current format was implemented in 2005. Her outstanding performances in American colours helped her nation end a 17-year wait for an unprecedented 18th success.

Vandeweghe, an attack-minded player with considerable firepower, will expect to be involved in the closing stages of the action at Melbourne Park. She has improved greatly under the tutelage of Pat Cash and individual glory might not be too far away.

The German is at the peak of her powers and enjoyed the best season of her career in 2017. She won silverware on two occasions, in Zhuhai and Moscow, and completed a fruitful campaign at world No.14 – her highest ever finish.

Goerges' form has fluctuated drastically throughout recent years due to a number of factors, but she has never entered a Grand Slam is such red-hot form.

She recently won the Auckland Classic in New Zealand, defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the final, and dropped just one set en route to a fifth-career title.

Goerges is yet to make it beyond the fourth round of a major – falling at the last sixteen stage on five occasions - and she will expect to go at least one step further on this occasion.

After such a prosperous 2016, Kerber’s fall from grace last year was both dramatic and unexpected.

The 29-year-old suffered the indignation of losing in the first round of the US Open last summer and she looked bereft of ideas every time she stepped between the white lines.

A productive off-season and a change in coaching personnel appears to have helped the double major winner rediscover her mojo. Under the guidance of Johanna Konta’s former employee, Wim Fissette, Kerber’s steely resolve has returned, and she is back to winning ways.

The German snapped up a first title in over two years at the Sydney International on Saturday - and she has been the standout performer in the opening weeks of the new season.

Kerber has been placed in the most challenging section of the draw in Melbourne, and could encounter Maria Sharapova in the third round.

The 21-year-old made significant progress in 2017 and managed to bring an end to Sam Stosur’s nine-year reign as Australian No.1. She currently resides at a career-high ranking of No.17 and will be expected to fly the flag for the home nation at the first Grand Slam of the year.

The crafty Queenslander, who has never been beyond the third round of a major, bagged her first WTA title in Kuala Lumpur last year. She further demonstrated her qualities by reaching finals in Birmingham and Wuhan.

Barty is an intelligent performer with many layers to her game. Her flair and creativity has also helped her become a fine doubles player and a second week appearance in Melbourne has to be a target.

A credible final appearance at last week’s Sydney International will only have increased her confidence.

The talented Swiss is on the comeback trail after surgery on her left wrist in May.

A lengthy spell on the sidelines saw Bencic’s ranking plummet, and she has been playing catch up ever since. Her recent results on the ITF Circuit have been a source of encouragement, though, and she is now firmly back inside the Top 100.

The Swiss won the last three tournaments she entered last year – in Hua Hin, Taipei and Dubai – and she opened up the the new campaign by winning the Hopman Cup alongside Roger Federer.

It’s perhaps odd to highlight the prospects of a player who will face Venus Williams in the first round, but Bencic is capable of springing a surprise and embarking on a deep run.

]]>Sat, 13 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Medvedev nets Sydney titlehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/13/medvedev-nets-sydney-title
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/13/medvedev-nets-sydney-titleThe Russian roared back after conceding the opening set and overcame a late wobble to capture his first ATP title. The assured 21-year-old coped admirably with the partisan crowd, and did enough to seal an impressive victory.

It had all started so promisingly for de Minaur. The tenacious 18-year-old appeared all set to become the youngest title winner in ten years, however he was unable to capitalise on a dominant first set.

It was a typically gutsy display from the teenager, who is developing and improving at a rapid rate, but he will have to wait a little longer to enter the winner’s circle for the first time.

It remains to be seen if de Minaur’s exploits over the last fortnight will negatively impact his performance at the Australian Open. He has been handed a tough first round assignment in Melbourne, and will begin against Tomas Berdych.

In the women’s final in Sydney, Angelique Kerber was reunited with silverware for the first time since the US Open in 2016.

The former world No.1 is in ominous form ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year and she was a 6-4 6-4 winner over Ashleigh Barty in the championship match.

"I am playing amazing tennis again and feeling just great,” remarked the new champion, after collecting an 11th career title.

"I have had a great week and the final was not easy against Ash (Barty) but I was able to play my game in important moments. I feel like I am getting closer to my 2016 level."

Elsewhere, Elise Mertens became the first player to win the Hobart International twice after a 6-1 4-6 6-3 triumph over surprise finalist, Mihaela Buzarnescu.

In the final of the Auckland Classic, Roberto Bautista Agut ended a bruising week with a trophy in his hands.

The Spaniard was involved in a fierce tussle with Robin Haase in the last four on Friday, and he became embroiled in a similar scrap with Juan Martin del Potro in the championship match.

Bautista Agut emerged a 6-1 4-6 7-5 winner over the Argentine and admitted afterwards he was feeling weary. “It's been a fantastic week for me. I gave everything I have on the court this week,” said the 29-year-old.

"It was an unbelievable match today. I've been fighting a lot on the court and I played two amazing games at the end of the match.”

]]>Sat, 13 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000De Minaur marches onhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/12/de-minaur-marches-on
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/12/de-minaur-marches-onThe 18-year-old recovered from an early deficit to defeat Benoit Paire 4-6 6-1 6-1 at the Sydney International – his hometown tournament – and become the youngest ATP finalist since Taylor Fritz reached the championship match in Memphis two years ago.

De Minaur, who appears at ease in the media glare, will attempt to become the youngest ATP champion in a decade when he tackles Daniil Medvedev in Saturday’s final.

“I was a set down with not a lot of belief in me, and this crowd just picked me up, picked my intensity up and got me over the line,” beamed De Minaur, post-match.

“I just tried to be tough. I tried to find a way to just keep making balls and just trying to be that blue wall. Once I got on court I tried to make the most out of this occasion and I’m glad I came out with the win.”

Regardless of the outcome in the championship match, De Minaur will jump to a career-high ranking of No.127 on Monday. It’s been a rapid rise for the young Australian, who commenced 2018 as the world No.208.

De Minaur’s next opponent, Medvedev, also took the scenic route in his last four battle with Fabio Fognini. The Russian was a 2-6 6-4 6-1 victor over the Italian and is now just one win away from a maiden ATP title.

At the Auckland Classic, Juan Martin del Potro’s promising start to the new campaign continues after a comprehensive 6-4 6-4 win over David Ferrer.

The Argentine lifted the title in New Zealand nine years ago and Roberto Bautista Agut, also a former champion, will attempt to prevent him from doing it again in Saturday’s final.

The Spaniard edged a near three-hour scrap with Robin Haase 6-7(7) 7-6(3) 7-6(5).

]]>Fri, 12 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Watson's run ends in Hobarthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/12/watsons-run-ends-in-hobart
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/12/watsons-run-ends-in-hobartThe British No.2, who had to fight through qualifying just to earn a spot in the main draw, fell to defending champion, Elise Mertens, in three sets despite a valiant effort.

Watson’s extended stay in Tasmania will have provided her with a timely confidence boost ahead of the upcoming Australian Open, which begins on Monday. The 25-year-old will start against Yulia Putintseva.

Mertens, a 6-4 1-6 6-2 winner over the Brit, will attempt to become the first player to prevail in Hobart on more than one occasion this weekend. “I tried to play a bit more aggressive in the third set and make her run a little bit more,” said the Belgian, who dominated the decider.

“She (Watson) was dictating me in the second set, so all credits to her. She played an amazing match.”

Mertens will encounter Mihaela Buzarnescu in the championship match. Her Romanian opponent, ranked No.57 in the world and yet to drop a set this week, is into her first WTA final at the age of 29 - after brushing Lesia Tsurenko aside for the concession of just four games.

At the Sydney International, where there are more ranking points on offer than in Hobart, Angelique Kerber moved a significant step closer to ending her trophy drought.

The former world No.1 was on the periphery for much of last year, however she has started this season with renewed purpose. Under the guidance of new coach Wim Fissette, the German strolled into the final thanks to 6-2 6-3 triumph over Camila Giorgi.

She will challenge home-favourite, Ashleigh Barty, in the final on Saturday. The Australian No.1 dropped the first set of her semi-final clash with compatriot, Daria Gavrilova, but responded well and eventually sealed a 3-6 6-4 6-2 victory.

]]>Fri, 12 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic starts against Younghttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/11/djokovic-starts-against-young
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/11/djokovic-starts-against-youngNovak Djokovic, a six-time Australian Open champion, has an unfamiliar number alongside his name as he makes his return after a six-month absence with elbow trouble.

It was always likely that the former world No.1 would be handed a challenging draw at the first major of the year due to his low seeding, however he won’t be too disappointed as he analyses his potential route to an unprecedented seventh title.

Djokovic is in the same half of the draw as Roger Federer, but he can’t encounter the defending champion until the semi-final stage. He will make his competitive comeback against Donald Young and could encounter Gael Monfils in the second round.

A possible early clash with the flamboyant Frenchman, who nabbed the seventh trophy of his career at the Qatar Open last week, is unlikely to thrill the Serbian - but he has won all 14 previous meetings with Monfils.

No.4 seed, Alexander Zverev, is scheduled to meet Djokovic in the fourth round and Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka are possible quarter-final foes.

Federer, bidding for major No.20, will launch his campaign against Aljaz Bedene. The returning Milos Raonic is a possible last sixteen rival for the 36-year-old and Juan Martin del Potro or David Goffin could be waiting at the last eight stage.

In the top half of the draw, Rafael Nadal will play his first competitive match of 2018 against Víctor Estrella Burgos. The world No.1 is in a fairly soft quarter of the draw but John Isner is a potential fourth round opponent.

The Spaniard is scheduled to meet Marin Cilic in the last eight and a blockbuster clash with Grigor Dimitrov is pencilled in for the semi-finals. The pair met at the same stage 12 months in an unforgettable duel.

Dimitrov’s latest attempt to capture Grand Slam silverware will commence against a qualifier. He could face Nick Kyrgios, who defeated him in the last four of Brisbane last week, in the fourth round and Jack Sock is a potential quarter-final rival.

Kyle Edmund will encounter No.11 seed, Kevin Anderson, in the first round and David Ferrer will challenge Andrey Rublev at the same stage.

The 106th edition of the Australian Open begins on Monday. The full draw is available here.

]]>Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Sharapova given tough drawhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/11/sharapova-given-tough-draw
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/11/sharapova-given-tough-drawThe unseeded Russian, who lifted the title a decade ago, will tackle the 30-year-old German in her opening round match as she attempts to navigate the toughest section of the draw.

If Sharapova overcomes her first obstacle, she will likely face No.14 seed, Anastasija Sevastova, in the second round. Angelique Kerber is a possible last 32 opponent and Garbine Muguruza could be waiting in the fourth round.

Johanna Konta, in the same half of the draw as the Russian, will launch her latest bid for Grand Slam glory against Madison Brengle. If the British No.1 avoids trouble in the first week, she could encounter No.6 seed, Karolina Pliskova, in the last sixteen.

The big-serving Czech will start against Verónica Cepede Royg and could meet her compatriot, Lucie Šafářová, in the third round.

The player that survives the challenging second section is projected to meet world No.1, Simona Halep, in the last eight. The Romanian will begin against wildcard entry, Destanee Gabriella Aiava, and could be tested by Petra Kvitova in the round of 32.

In the bottom section of the draw, Caroline Wozniacki, fresh from reaching the final of the Auckland Classic, will take on Mihaela Buzărnescu in her first match.

The No.2 seed, who reached the semi-finals in Melbourne seven years ago, could meet either Jelena Ostapenko or Coco Vandeweghe in the last eight.

Elena Svitolina, a possible last four opponent for the Dane, will hope to continue her fine form at the first major of the year after easing to the Brisbane International title last week.

The Ukrainian will look to make an incident-free start against a qualifier and it’s possible she could encounter Sloane Stephens in the last sixteen.

Venus Williams is the favourite to emerge from her quarter and reach the last eight, however she must survive a demanding first round tie against the on-form Belinda Bencic before even contemplating another deep run.

Other first round clashes of intrigue include Dominika Cibulková versus Kaia Kanepi and Kristina Mladenovic against Ana Bogdan.

Heather Watson, still going strong at the Hobart International, will commence against Yulia Putintseva

The 106th edition of the Australian Open begins on Monday. The full draw is available here.

]]>Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Watson dazzles in Hobarthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/11/watson-dazzles-in-hobart
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/11/watson-dazzles-in-hobartThe British No.2 has struggled to string consecutive wins together in recent months, but returning to the scene of a previous a triumph appears to have helped her rediscover her best form.

Watson collected her second WTA title in Hobart three years ago and she remains on course to make it a double in Tasmania after reaching the semi-finals - thanks to a thumping 6-0 6-4 win over Donna Vekic.

The Brit won the first 11 games against the Croatian and looked to be coasting towards the finishing line, however she was forced to withstand a spirited fightback from her rejuvenated opponent before sealing a big victory.

Her reward is a last four meeting with No.2 seed, Elise Mertens, who received a walkover due to Monica Niculescu pulling out the tournament.

After reaching her first semi-final in six months, a delighted Watson said: "Every match I play, I feel like I'm getting better and better, tennis-wise and mentally. I'm just very happy at the moment.

"I don't think she [Vekic] played her best today, but I'm glad to win. I'm very happy to be here in the semi-finals."

At the Sydney International, Garbine Muguruza’s Australian Open preparations suffered another blow after she was forced to withdraw with a right thigh issue prior to her scheduled contest with Daria Gavrilova.

It’s been an inauspicious start to the year for the Wimbledon champion as cramp forced her to quit against Aleksandra Krunic in Brisbane last week.

Ashleigh Barty delighted the locals by dominating Barbora Strycova 6-3 6-2 and Angelique Kerber’s resurgence appears to be well under way. The German eased into the last four after dispatching Dominika Cibulkova 6-3 6-1.

Camila Giorgi, who came through qualifying, is also into the semi-finals. The watchable Italian showed no mercy as she romped to an emphatic 6-1 6-2 success over Agnieszka Radwanska.

In the men’s event in Australia’s biggest city, Alex de Minaur continues to flourish. The Sydney-born teenager got the better of Feliciano Lopez – 18 years his senior – 6-4 6-4 to reach the semi-finals of an ATP event for the second week in a row.

His next challenge will be against the inimitable, Benoit Paire. The volatile and occasionally brilliant Frenchman took out the defending champion, Gilles Muller, 6-4 6-4.

Fabio Fognini edged a lengthy affair with Adrian Mannarino 6-7(4) 7-6(4) 6-2 and Daniil Medvedev ensured there would no all-Italian semi-final after a commanding 6-3 6-3 win over Paolo Lorenzi.

]]>Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic makes his returnhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/10/djokovic-makes-his-return
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/10/djokovic-makes-his-returnThe former world No.1 defeated Dominic Thiem 6-1 6-4 before declaring himself ‘very happy with how it went,’ and stating he intends to play the Australian Open ‘for now’.

It was a gentle workout for the 12-time major champion and he looked sharp from the baseline as he dictated proceedings against his off-colour opponent.

The 30 year-old, who has been absent since Wimbledon with an elbow complaint, admits he is not yet fully-fit after being forced to pull out of last week’s Qatar Open.

"I don't say I'm at 100%, I can only say that when I get the feel of a tournament,” said Djokovic. “Ideally. I would have had another tournament before the start of the Open, but it was not meant to be."

The six-time Australian Open champion wore a compression sleeve and adopted a new service motion against Thiem, but he appeared to perform without discomfort.

“It was a fantastic test for me to see where I am, to see what we have done as a team and whether it works on the court - and it works pretty well,” added Djokovic.

“Especially the serve, that was the biggest question mark because of the elbow, that shot in my game was compromised.”

Meanwhile at the Sydney International, defending champion, Gilles Muller, progressed to the quarter-finals after a narrow 7-6(5) 6-4 success over John Millman.

Alex De Minaur impressed in Brisbane last week – and he is maintaining his excellent form at his hometown tournament. The teenager was leading Damir Dzumhur 6-2 3-0 when the Bosnian retired.

There were also second round wins for Paolo Lorenzi, Daniil Medvedev, Fabio Fognini, Adrian Mannarino, Benoit Paire and Feliciano Lopez.

In the women’s event, top seed, Garbine Muguruza, powered her way into the last eight by edging a tightly-contested duel with Kiki Bertens 6-3 7-6(6). The Spaniard will encounter Daria Gavrilova on Thursday, who got the better of Sam Stosur 6-4 6-2.

]]>Wed, 10 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Murray has hip surgeryhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/08/murray-has-hip-surgery
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/08/murray-has-hip-surgeryThe former world No.1, who has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon last summer, believes the operation went well and is targeting a return at Queen’s Club in June.

“Today I underwent successful right hip surgery at the St Vincent Hospital in Melbourne,” said Murray, via his Facebook page in a defiant post. “I'd like to thank Dr John O’Donnell and all of the staff for looking after me.

“I look forward to returning to competitive tennis during the grass court season. Thanks to everyone for all the well-wishes and support over the last few days. I'll comeback from this.”

The British No.1 believes he could possibly make his comeback before the grass-court season, however he will only take to the court when fully fit.

In other news, Victoria Azarenka will not be involved at the Australian Open. The two-time champion has withdrawn from the first Grand Slam of the year due to an on-going custody battle over her 11-month-old son.

]]>Mon, 08 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kyrgios eases to Brisbane titlehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/07/kyrgios-eases-to-brisbane-title
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/07/kyrgios-eases-to-brisbane-titleThe 22-year-old produced a dazzling display of power and precision as he underlined his Australian Open title credentials. It’s the first time he has entered the winner’s circle on home soil and his 16-month wait for a 4th title is over.

Kyrgios improved as the match progressed and his thunderous serve was as reliable as ever. He cracked 17 aces during the 73-minute contest and never relinquished control from the moment he moved ahead in the first set.

“It was a tough match today, and Nick played great tennis,” acknowledged Harrison during the trophy ceremony.

“This was the first time I’ve ever played in Brisbane and won a match - and I’ve then managed to reach a final. Even though I’d never made it beyond the second round before, I’d always looked forward to coming back because of how fantastic the event is.”

Kyrgios was the overwhelming favourite to pick up the trophy, but he did not have it all his own way in the early stages. Harrison commenced the match with great intensity and performed to a higher standard than he had done throughout the rest of the tournament.

The American created five break-points opportunities in the opening stanza, however his ice-cool opponent rebuffed his advances. Harrison had applied meaningful pressure, but was left with little to show for his endeavours.

In the seventh game, Kyrgios made his move. A return of outstanding quality was followed by a well-directed forehand passing-shot that enabled him to hit the front.

With a break of serve in his pocket, the Australian No.1 began to dictate and dominate. His opponent tried desperately to cling on to his coat-tails, but the world No.21 was performing to a level few can match.

The second set became a procession from the moment Harrison double-faulted to slip 2-1 behind. There was no way back for the American, and Brisbane had their first Australian winner since Lleyton Hewitt four years ago.

]]>Sun, 07 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Svitolina triumphs in Brisbanehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/06/svitolina-triumphs-in-brisbane
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/06/svitolina-triumphs-in-brisbaneThe Ukrainian, who will climb to world No.4 in the rankings on Monday, recorded an emphatic 6-2 6-1 success over Aliaksandra Sasnovich in a one-sided final at the Brisbane International.

It’s a 10th career title for Svitolina and she will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open brimming with confidence.

“It’s always amazing to start the year with a trophy and I have no words,” said the new champion, who did not face a single break-point in the championship match.

“I had such a tough off-season, although everyone has a tough off-season, but to start the year with a trophy is very, very special."

Sasnovich, the first ever qualifier to reach the final in Queensland, never settled and struggled to make an impact from the baseline. Her backhand impressed, but her forehand offered little from an attacking perspective.

“I’m sorry for my play today,” quipped the world No.88 at the trophy ceremony. “I would like to congratulate Elina, it was a great week for her and she was better than me and deserved it.”

Svitolina, in her sixth final within the last 13 months, make a bright opening to the match and established an early lead. The Ukrainian was in a commanding position and a backhand winner fizzed crosscourt helped her clinch the first set 6-2.

Sevastova's first set statistics did not make pleasant reading. She cracked 8 winners but committed 15 unforced-errors as she failed to trouble her higher-ranked rival. She desperately needed a fast start to the second set, however matters only got worse.

A backhand return winner directed crosscourt earned the No.3 seed a 2-0 lead - and she was soon closing in on victory. There was a limited response from the Belarusian, and she was simply relieved to have avoided the dreaded ‘bagel'.

It may have been an unsatisfactory ending to a dream tournament for Sasnovich, but her efforts this week will see her rise to a career-high ranking of No.53.

]]>Sat, 06 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kyrgios gets the better of Dimitrovhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/06/kyrgios-gets-the-better-of-dimitrov
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/06/kyrgios-gets-the-better-of-dimitrovThe Australian No.1 recorded a 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory over the defending champion in an entertaining affair played in front of a capacity crowd inside the Pat Rafter arena.

Kyrgios’ temperament is often called into question, particularly when he falls behind, but his latest success is the third time in a row he has rallied from a set down and emerged the winner.

"I hadn't beaten him [Dimitrov] before,” said Kyrgios. “Going into today, I knew that I was going to do something a little different. I was going to kind of just not give him too much rhythm. Come in a lot, be super aggressive off my returns and just serve pretty much anywhere."

"He played a pretty solid first set. I played a pretty loose game to get broken - and pretty much from then on, I felt pretty in control of the match."

Kyrgios, the first Aussie to reach the final in Brisbane since Lleyton Hewitt in 2014, will go in search of a first title in 15 months on Sunday.

In the first semi-final, Ryan Harrison crushed any hopes of an all-Australian championship match by defeating Alex de Minaur 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in a bruising encounter.

The American recovered from a precarious position in the second set tiebreak before denying his youthful opponent in a tense decider. “This year, I want to leave it all on the court every time I play. I feel like if I do that, I'll be improving,” said Harrison, now bidding for a second ATP title.

“I didn't have a whole lot of pressure on myself. I was just trying to play as hard as I could and I'm in the final.”

De Minaur, a wildcard entry, made headlines by defeating former world No.3, Milos Raonic, earlier this week. The 18-year-old from Sydney is making rapid progress, and he will move inside the Top 170 in the rankings on Monday.

Pliskova was in the ascendancy in the opener, however she was unable to build on her early advantage and paid a heavy price. The second set was equally tight, but it was Svitolina who held her nerve down the stretch – despite squandering a 5-2 lead.

The Ukrainian, who will go in search of a 10th WTA title on Saturday and climb to No.4 in the rankings on Monday, was delighted to overcome a sticky start.

"Karolina plays very well here in Brisbane and playing against the defending champion is always tough," acknowledged Svitolina.

"I was playing very badly, I was making lots of mistakes so I just said to myself to take time, just go for your shots, but aim one metre inside the court."

Svitolina's involvement in the championship match is not unexpected, but few anticipated qualifier, Aliaksandra Sasnovich, would make it so far.

The Belarusian, ranked No.88 in the world, will have a chance to win the first title of her career after overcoming Anastasija Sevastova 7-6(3) 6-4 in the first semi-final.

The 23-year-old, who is currently positioned at a career-high placing of No.53 in the live rankings, is the first qualifier to ever reach the final in Brisbane.

"I already said at the beginning of the tournament that I couldn't even imagine that I will be in the final," said a delighted Sasnovich. "It's good for me, good for my country, good for all of the people who support me. Without them, it was not possible.

"It was a very good match, and I'm really happy to finish this match in two sets. I’m really pleased to start the season like this."

This will be the first meeting between the two finalists.

Elsewhere, Simona Halep breezed into the final of the Shenzhen Open. The Romanian, currently without a kit sponsor, conceded just five games as she dismissed compatriot, Irina-Camelia Begu, 6-1 6-4.

Some players tend to just thrive at a particular venue – and Katerina Siniakova certainly enjoys the conditions in Shenzhen. The Czech is into her second consecutive final in China’s 11th biggest city after an unexpected 6-2 3-6 6-3 triumph over Maria Sharapova.

Halep and Siniakova have met just once before, in Shenzhen 12 months ago, and it was the Czech who prevailed in three close sets.

]]>Fri, 05 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Dimitrov into Brisbane semi-finalshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/05/dimitrov-into-brisbane-semi-finals
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/05/dimitrov-into-brisbane-semi-finalsAn entertaining contest ended in unfortunate circumstances due to an injury suffered by the British No.2 at 4-4 in a deciding set. Edmund took a nasty tumble and rolled his right ankle – which effectively killed the match as a spectacle.

It was a scary moment for Edmund, especially with the Australian Open just nine days away, and he will have his injury assessed in the coming days.

Dimitrov, who raced to his opponent’s aid after he fell, is now on a seven-match wining run and he will encounter Nick Kyrgios in the last four on Saturday.

The Australian No.1 made it through to the weekend by overcoming the unpredictable Alexandr Dolgopolov 1-6 6-3 6-4. Kyrgios was in full flow in the closing stages and is happy with his current level of play.

“I'm feeling pretty good,” said the 22-year-old, who has lost his two previous meetings with his next opponent.

“I'm hitting the ball well and I'm serving really well. So the first two matches of the year, I've got through two tough three-setters. The only positive I can say about losing that first set is I'm putting myself in some pressure situation and getting some more court time out there, which is good.”

In the other half of the draw, Alex De Minaur’s remarkable week continues. The 18-year-old Australian was exceptional as he crushed Michael Mmoh 6-4 6-0 in 74 minutes to reach his first ATP semi-final in style.

"The best way to describe this is at the moment is I'm in this really good dream and I really don't want to wake up - just disbelief, really," said the overjoyed teenager post-match.

His reward is a last four showdown with Ryan Harrison. The American progressed after Denis Istomin retired while trailing 7-6(6) 4-2.

]]>Fri, 05 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Edmund into last eighthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/04/edmund-into-last-eight
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/04/edmund-into-last-eightOn a day when Andy Murray announced he would miss the Australian Open for the first time in his career and Johanna Konta suffered an injury against Elina Svitolina, Edmund battled past a tenacious opponent to maintain his fine early season form.

The 22-year-old, still chasing a maiden ATP title, will tackle defending champion, Grigor Dimitrov, in the last eight on Friday. The Bulgarian was pushed to the brink in his opening match of the year against John Millman, but prevailed 4-6 7-6(8) 6-3 after saving two match-points.

"I'm just very pleased with the way I played on those key points and especially on the match-points,” said Dimitrov, who extended his winning run to six matches.

“I think that gives me a certain amount of confidence coming into any other match that I have to play now."

Dimitrov and Edmund have met just once before, in Washington, D.C. last year, and it was the Bulgarian who edged it in three sets.

In the women’s event, Karolina Pliskova made it through to the semi-finals after a 3-6 7-5 6-2 triumph over Kaia Kanepi. The Czech launched her season on Wednesday with a thumping win over CiCi Bellis, but found it much tougher against the experienced Estonian.

“I was little bit surprised in the first set and a half with how well she [Kanepi] played,” remarked Pliskova, after recovering from a precarious position to claim victory.

“For the big risk what she was playing with, she had almost zero mistakes, so I think she was playing very well. The only thing I could do was just wait for my chance, and I got it.”

Pliskova, the No. 2 seed, will encounter Elina Svitolina in the last four. The pair have met on six occasions and the Czech has only lost once.

In the two other quarter-finals, Anastasija Sevastova eased past Aleksandra Krunic 6-2 6-4 and Aliaksandra Sasnovich edged a third set shootout with Alize Cornet.

At the Shenzhen Open in China, Simona Halep registered a routine 6-2 6-2 win over Aryna Sabalenka in just 57 minutes and Maria Sharapova also enjoyed a smooth passage into the last four by dispatching Zarina Diyas 6-3 6-3.

The world No.1 will encounter Irina-Camelia Begu in the semi-finals while the Russian will challenge Katerina Siniakova.

]]>Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Murray withdraws from Australian Openhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/04/murray-withdraws-from-australian-open
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/04/murray-withdraws-from-australian-openHaving withdrawn from the Brisbane International and spent a couple more days in Brisbane, Andy Murray today made his way to Melbourne, but it was not to prepare for the Australian Open rather it was to catch a flight back to the UK where he will assess his physical condition and the on-going problem with his hip.

In an official statement from Tennis Australia, he said: “Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete.”

“I’ll be flying home shortly to assess all the options but I appreciate all the messages of support and I hope to be back playing soon.”

Tournament director Craig Tiley added: “We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and that he’s done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer,”

“Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it."

On Wednesday Murray posted a 400-word piece on instagram in which he spoke of his frustration about the injury and how much he had missed playing the game.

“I genuinely miss it so much and I would give anything to be back out there. I didn't realise until these last few months just how much I love this game. Every time I wake up from sleeping or napping I hope that it's better and it's quite demoralising when you get on the court it's not at the level you need it to be to compete at this level."

Having chosen rehabilitation over surgery for the last few months, Murray is considering his options, having never revealed the exact nature of the injury.

]]>Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Konta retires from quarter-finalhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/04/konta-retires-from-quarter-final
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/04/konta-retires-from-quarter-finalDespite taking the first set 6-1, hitting 16 winners and making the No. 3 seed look decidedly average, the British No.1 was unable to sustain the level.

“In the first set she was playing very good,” admitted Svitolina.” You know, there's not so many things that I could really change.”

The second set, which contained some high quality tennis from both players lasted 62 minutes and went to a tiebreak, was eventually won by the Ukrainian.

At 1-2 in the third set, Konta called for the trainer and after a brief conversation went off court for a medical timeout during which she received treatment to her right hip.

Returning to court to play just two more games, Konta eventually called time on the match and made a quick exit.

Speaking after the match Konta said, “Hopefully it's nothing more than a low-grade strain and more muscle spasm than anything.”

She says she will find out more on Friday morning. “I'll wake up, see how I am, and then, according to that, I will see if I go get a scan or not."

To clarify where the injury was she said. "Yeah, kind of right hip, leg, thigh, groin” and confirmed the injury happened in her service game – the second game of the third set. She has never had any injury like this before.

Before sustaining the injury, Konta had played some solid tennis in this match and in her previous two matches.

“I would like to think that the more matches I play, the quicker I'm able to find my level in matches at the beginning,” she added. “I think that's kind of what happened today. I found how I wanted to play earlier on.

"Even in the second set, to be fair, I didn't do too much wrong - and there wasn't a lot in it for me to come out from that match, coming through in two sets. So I think overall I've played better and better tennis and I've managed to really fight through some challenging situations.”

Konta is due to play in Sydney next week, before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open. Asked if she will play in Sydney, she said. “The most important thing is to listen to my body, listen to how I'm feeling in the morning, and really take it kind of step by step.”

]]>Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic heading to Australiahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/03/djokovic-heading-to-australia
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/03/djokovic-heading-to-australiaThe former world No.1, who was unable to take part in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship or the Qatar Open due to an on-going elbow complaint, will test his fitness in two exhibition events before making a decision about the first Grand Slam of the year.

The Serbian will make his eagerly-anticipated return after a six-month absence at the Kooyong Classic [January 10-12]. David Goffin, Dominic Thiem and Marin Cilic will join him at the warm-up event.

Djokovic is also scheduled to make an appearance at a Tie Break Tens tournament – which will be held next Wednesday evening at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne Park.

Rafael Nadal is also on his way to Melbourne. The world No.1 is a major fitness concern for the Australian Open due to a knee problem, but he appears to be winning his battle. He will also be involved in Tie Break Tens – as will Nick Kyrgios, Stan Wawrinka and Lleyton Hewitt.

]]>Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Pliskova lays down markerhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/03/pliskova-lays-down-marker
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/03/pliskova-lays-down-markerThe Czech, in her first match of the new campaign, was in blistering form as she took just 53 minutes to dismiss her youthful opponent and reach the last eight. The world No.4 was especially strong behind her serve and did not face a single break-point all evening.

"I'm just happy to be back in Brisbane, I have nice memories from last year,” said Pliskova, after cracking 26 winners and committing 11 unforced-errors. “I think I played well, was solid from the baseline and overall, it was a good start.

"I've been here for more than one week. I've been practicing well, and hopefully the next one can be better."

Pliskova will encounter Kaia Kanepi in the last eight. The Estonian qualifier enjoyed a straightforward 6-4 6-3 win over Lesia Tsurenko to earn a shot at the Czech on Thursday.

Aliaksandra Sasnovich is also safely through to the quarter-finals after a 1-6 7-6(2) 6-3 triumph over Anett Kontaveit. Her reward is a meeting with Alize Cornet.

Meanwhile at the Shenzhen Open in China, Simona Halep bounced back from conceding the first set to lowly ranked Ying-Ying Duan and wrapped up a 3-6 6-1 6-2 victory in 97 minutes.

In securing a safe passage through to the last eight, the Romanian is now guaranteed to stay as world No.1 next week. She will challenge Aryna Sabalenka next.

Irina-Camelia Begu, Katerina Siniakova and Kristyna Pliskova are also through.

Caroline Wozniacki, who will move up to world No.2 in the rankings on Monday, thrashed Petra Martic 6-2 6-2 while Julia Goerges and Agnieszka Radwanska also recorded one-sided wins.

]]>Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000De Minaur stuns Raonichttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/03/de-minaur-stuns-raonic
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/03/de-minaur-stuns-raonicThe 18-year-old from Sydney, a wildcard entry, had little trouble returning his opponent’s booming serve as he netted the biggest win of his life - much to the delight of the capacity crowd inside the Pat Rafter Arena.

De Minaur, watched by Australia’s Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, was composed under pressure and dropped serve just once. It was Raonic’s first match since limping out of the Japan Open in October, and he looked far from convincing on his return.

“I honestly can’t believe it,” said the world No.208, after his outstanding performance. “It’s going to take a while for me to believe what’s happened just now.

“I was going to come out here, compete my hardest and give it my all and I actually ended up playing an unbelievable match.”

Raonic was magnanimous in defeat and accepts there will be bumps in the road as he plots his way back to the top of the game. "I've had some time to really figure things out and hopefully find some answers to the big question of how to stay healthy," explained the Canadian post-match.

"I feel good. I feel like I'm taking all the right steps forward. Obviously, time can only tell if I have come up with the right approaches, the right methods and the things that are going work for me."

Earlier in the afternoon, Nick Kyrgios overcame an injury scare to get the better of Matthew Ebden 6-7(3) 7-6(5) 6-2. The 22-year-old appeared to be struggling with a left knee problem, but it did not prevent him from advancing to the quarter-finals.

Alexandr Dolgopolov enjoyed a thumping 6-1 6-2 success over Horacio Zeballos and will play Kyrgios in the last eight. Qualifier Michael Mmoh, ranked No.175 in the world, upset the No.8 seed, Mischa Zverev, 6-2 5-7 6-4.

]]>Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Muguruza falls in Brisbanehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/02/muguruza-falls-in-brisbane
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/02/muguruza-falls-in-brisbaneThe Wimbledon champion, in her first outing of 2018, was forced to retire in the third set of her clash with Aleksandra Krunic at the Brisbane International.

The Spaniard had hoped to overtake Simona Halep, currently playing in Shenzhen, and seize top spot again, but she was unable to complete the match due to physical issues in the unforgiving heat.

"I felt in trouble in the second set when I was 2-0 up," explained Muguruza post-match. "I started to feel my calves were cramping. I continued to think that with the match it might go away, but then it was increasing, increasing - and then I had a lot of part of my body cramping."

Johanna Konta made it back-to-back wins for the first time since August after a hard-earned 4-6 6-1 6-4 success over Ajla Tomljanović in the second round.

"To be honest, it's a great thing to have two tough matches early on," said Konta, back in the country of her birth. "It's a boost, the match fitness, and it boosts a lot of the competitive scenarios that we're going to face the whole year. I'm sure my next match will be the same."

The British No.1 will challenge either Elina Svitolina or Ana Konjuh in the last eight later this week.

At the Shenzhen Open in China, Maria Sharapova rallied from a set down to eliminate Alison Riske 4-6 6-3 6-2 and reach the quarter-finals. There were also second round wins for Timea Babos, Zarina Diyas and Aryna Sabalenka.

Kristyna Pliskova secured a significant victory by defeating French Open champion, Jelena Ostapenko, in routine fashion. The Czech made it through to the second round after a commanding 6-1 6-4 triumph over the No.2 seed.

Ana Bogdan got the better of Camila Giorgi 6-4 6-2 in the remaining first round match to be completed.

Caroline Wozniacki, who ended 2017 by winning the biggest title of her career at the WTA Finals, kicked off the new campaign with a resounding 6-3 6-0 success over the helpless Madison Brengle at the Auckland Classic.

The Dane still has a slim chance of becoming world No.1 again next week.

Agnieszka Radwanska has had a torrid time with injuries recently, but she is back fit and safely through to the second round. The Pole outlasted Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2 4-6 6-2.

]]>Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Edmund into second roundhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/02/edmund-into-second-round
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/02/edmund-into-second-roundThe match lasted two and a half hours and it took the British No.2 a while to get into his rhythm.

“It was the first match of the year, you don't really know what to expect,” said Edmund, post-match, “It's good to come through like that.”

“I served a lot better in the second and third sets and generally, in the points and the rallies, I felt a little bit more comfortable,” he said.

Shapovalov showed flashes of the brilliance that will make him a tricky opponent for many of the top players in the coming months. In the match he served 18 aces to Edmund’s five.

“He is a tough player,” acknowledged Edmund. “Last year he had a really good year, obviously, so he's a good player.”

Edmund says he spent the off-season working in both London and the Bahamas.

Asked about Murray’s withdrawal from the tournament, the 22-year-old admitted he was not surprised by the announcement. 'No one really knows where he's at, do they?

“But I thought the fact he played a set in Abu Dhabi and came here, I thought was more encouraging -that he was getting better and better.”

And echoing what a lot of Murray’s fellow players and fans are feeling, he added:

“I think it's obviously a shame he's not playing because he's not ready. But, you know, it sucks that he's not ready, doesn't it? Everyone wants him to be on court.”

Edmund will play 21-year-old Hyeon Chung in the second round. Chung today beat Gilles Muller.

]]>Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ebden gets the better of Tiafoehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/01/ebden-gets-the-better-of-tiafoe
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/01/ebden-gets-the-better-of-tiafoeThe 30-year-old converted four of his five break-point opportunities to record a convincing win and set up an all-Australian meeting with Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday.

Looking ahead to his encounter with his compatriot, Ebden said: “Nick has obviously got a great serve. That's one of his biggest weapons that carried him through well over the past few years - with the upsets and good results that he's had. He's obviously good around the court and moves well for a big guy.”

Mischa Zverev, who ended Andy Murray’s Australian Open hopes last year, proved to be too strong for John-Patrick Smith. The German defeated the Australian qualifier 6-4 7-5.

Ryan Harrison’s prize for a 6-4 3-6 6-2 victory over Leonardo Mayer is a second round clash with the returning Andy Murray later this week. The pair have met just once before, at the Australian Open in 2012, and the Brit triumphed in four entertaining sets.

The ever-improving Jared Donaldson recorded a 6-2 6-4 win over Jordan Thompson and Horacio Zeballos began his 15th year as a professional with a comprehensive 6-3 6-4 success over Ernesto Escobedo.

]]>Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Svitolina starts well in Brisbanehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/01/svitolina-starts-well-in-brisbane
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2018/01/01/svitolina-starts-well-in-brisbaneThe Ukrainian, who enjoyed the best season of her career last year, was rarely troubled by her Spanish opponent and looked at ease throughout her 90-minute workout.

Ana Konjuh, an emphatic 6-1 6-2 winner over Kiki Bertens on Sunday, will take on the No.3 seed in the second round on Wednesday.

"This match was a good example that I can play a high level of tennis," explained Svitolina post-match. "I will try to continue to work, to just be focused on these kind of things.

"That's what important for me, because the Grand Slam and No.1 are all going to come if I have my game, if I'm healthy, if I'm playing my best. That's the focus for now."

Kristina Mladenovic may be ranked at a lofty No.11 in the world, but her recent form has been dismal. She fell to a 13th consecutive defeat against Aliaksandra Sasnovich and has not registered a victory since July.

Petra Kvitova’s late withdrawal with a virus offered Heather Watson a chance to enter the main draw as a lucky loser, however she was unable to make the most of her reprieve - suffering a heavy loss to Anett Kontaveit.

There was also success for another Estonian. Kaia Kanepi, who battled through qualifying, took out Daria Kasatkina 6-2 6-2.

At the Shenzhen Open, Simona Halep made a flawless start to her season. The world No.1 conceded just five games as she dismissed Nicole Gibbs 6-4 6-1 in 68 minutes.

Maria Sharapova was even more impressive in her first match in China. The Russian powered past Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3 6-0 to commence the campaign with promise.

In Auckland, No.2 seed, Julia Goerges, made it 10 wins on the bounce by overcoming Monica Puig 6-4 4-6 6-2 and Petra Martic, Kirsten Flipkens and Su-Wei Hsieh were also victorious.

]]>Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Serena returns to actionhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/30/serena-returns-to-action
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/30/serena-returns-to-actionIt was the former world No.1’s first outing since becoming a mother four months ago and she put in an encouraging performance – despite losing the match.

Ostapenko enjoyed a confidence-boosting 6-2 3-6 (10-5) win against her idol before heading to China for next week’s Shenzhen Open. The French Open champion will begin her WTA season against Kristyna Pliskova.

Williams was shaky in the early exchanges and looked uneasy with her movement. She improved considerably in the second set, though, and performed much better than anticipated.

"First matches back are always super incredibly hard, especially after having a baby, but it was great,” said the 23-time major winner, in her post-match interview on Eurosport.

“Motherhood is phenomenal. I was a little worried out there and looking at my camp and wondering if Olympia is okay [her daughter], but it’s really good and I’m excited to be back on the court. It was such a good time for me.”

Williams had not yet decided if she will defend her Australian Open title next month in Melbourne.

In other news, Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week’s Qatar Open in Doha. The 30-year-old was expected to defend the title he picked up 12 months ago, however further elbow trouble means he remains on the sidelines.

The Serbian was due to play Roberto Bautista Agut at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Friday, but did not feel fit enough to compete.

“Unfortunately the situation with the elbow has not changed for better since yesterday,” explained Djokovic on his Twitter account. "I still feel pain. Therefore, I will have to withdraw from ATP tournament in Doha.”

The Serbian, who has not played since Wimbledon, is now a serious doubt for the first Grand Slam of the year.

]]>Sat, 30 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000Konta ready for Keyshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/30/konta-ready-for-keys
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/30/konta-ready-for-keysKonta has not played in Brisbane since 2013. Back then things were very different. As a 21- year-old, Konta lost in the qualifying stages to Lesia Tsurneko. Five years later Konta returns to Queensland ranked inside the Top 10, a position she has occupied for the last two years.

Does she see herself as a different player? “Well on paper, rankings and results-wise, yes, I am,” she said, talking to tennishead before the start of the tournament.

“I don’t know if I can really remember how I was or what I was thinking back then. I do remember it was the first year my ranking was high enough to play qualies for the Australian Open. It was actually the first time I came back to Australia since I left in 2005, so that was also an interesting experience. I would love to think that I am older and wiser.”

Konta, who ended her 2017 season after Beijing, with an injury to her left foot, has not played a competitive match for three and a half months.

“After Beijing I didn’t play any tennis for about 6 weeks, although I still stayed physically active,” she said.

“But I mainly was just at home, cooking a lot, baking a lot. I went to Hungary for five days to visit family, my sister and nephew and brother-in-law came to London for three and a half weeks, so I was at home mainly, but it was good.”

Konta also revealed that she has had to spend some time in the pre season re-training her body because of the compensations her body had made throughout the season working around the foot injury.

“It was more of almost re-teaching my body a way to be able to load through that side, through that foot.”

“That takes a bit of time,” she said. “But I am definitely fit and healthy to go here and looking forward to competing for real.”

Konta recently played exhibition matches against Simona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko in Thailand.

“It was good to be back playing competitively and I really enjoyed it. I missed it a lot. I am really looking forward to getting the season started, and starting to compete again.”

Her very “real” first round opponent here in Brisbane is US Open finalist Madison Keys. The pair has played before. In 2016, Konta won a tight three set match in Beijing, which she recalls. “We played a really good match, a very good match, a long one and a competitive one.”

“She’s a big player with big shots, and a lot of the times she will make you feel like you are not having much say in what’s going on out there, but that’s the kind of player that she is.”

Brisbane International gets underway on Sunday 31 December at Queensland Tennis Centre.

]]>Sat, 30 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000Draw for Brisbane madehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/30/draw-for-brisbane-made
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/30/draw-for-brisbane-madeAndy Murray will face either Ryan Harrison or Leonardo Mayer in his first official match since Wimbledon last summer.

The Scot, who lost to Roberto Bautista Agut in a one-set exhibition match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Friday, has been given a first round bye - as have Grigor Dimitrov, Nick Kyrgios and Milos Raonic.

Murray, the No.2 seed, has met Harrison just once before and was a winner in four sets at the Australian Open in 2012. The 30-year-old has edged his two previous clashes with Mayer, however they have not met in over four years.

The former world No.1 remains a fitness doubt for the Australian Open, but if he does overcome his first challenge, he could encounter Damir Dzumhur in the last eight, Raonic at the last four stage and Dimitrov or Kyrgios in the final.

Dimitrov, the defending champion, will launch his bid for further silverware against John Millman or a qualifier. Kyrgios will take on Frances Tiafoe or Matthew Ebden and Raonic will await the winner of the Steve Johnson-Alex De Minaur contest.

Kyle Edmund against Denis Shapovalov is the pick of the first round clashes but Gilles Muller’s meeting with Hyeon Chung should also be intriguing.

In the women’s event, Johanna Konta has been handed a tough first round assignment against Madison Keys. This will be the Brit’s first match under the guidance of new coach, Michael Joyce.

Garbine Muguruza and Karolina Pliskova are the top seeds and have been handed opening round byes.

No.4 seed, Caroline Garcia, is in the same half of the draw as the Spaniard and will challenge Alize Cornet in her first match while No.3 seed, Elina Svitolina, will start against Carla Suárez Navarro.

]]>Sat, 30 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000Agut beats Murray in Exhibitionhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/29/agut-beats-murray-in-exhibition
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/29/agut-beats-murray-in-exhibitionThe Brit, a late replacement for the injured Novak Djokovic, improved as the match progressed however his movement appeared hampered at times - especially when stretched on his forehand side.

The former world No.1, who is still walking with a slight limp, struck the ball with purpose and was more competitive than the scoreline suggests. He made more mistakes than normal, but that was perhaps unsurprising considering the length of his lay-off.

"When you haven't competed for a long time it takes time to get back up to that pace. I started to feel a bit better at the end," said Murray in his on court interview.

"I'll need to keep improving, for sure. It was good fun. I've missed it.”

It was unclear earlier this week whether the Brit would make the trip to Queensland for the Brisbane International, but he is set be included in Saturday’s draw.

Grigor Dimitrov, Milos Raonic and Nick Kyrgios will all join Murray in Brisbane on the opening week of the 2018 campaign. Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori have both pulled out with injury.

]]>Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic delays comebackhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/29/djokovic-delays-comeback
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/29/djokovic-delays-comebackThe 12-time Grand Slam winner was expected to take on Roberto Bautista Agut at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi this afternoon, but has been forced to pull out the event with more elbow trouble.

In a brief statement, the former world No.1 said: "Unfortunately, in the past few days, I started to feel pain in the elbow and after several tests, my medical team has advised me not to risk anything, to withdraw from the tournament and to immediately continue with the therapies.

"I am very sad because I was eager to return to playing official matches. This might affect the start of the season and the tournament plan."

Djokovic, who has not played since Wimbledon, is due to defend his title at the Qatar Open in Doha next week, but his participation must now be in serious doubt. It also remains unclear whether the six-time Australian Open champion will make the journey Down Under next month.

Andy Murray, currently in Abu Dhabi training, will replace Djokovic and play Agut is a one-set exhibition match.

]]>Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000Nadal to miss Brisbane Internationalhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/28/nadal-to-miss-brisbane-international
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/12/28/nadal-to-miss-brisbane-internationalThe Spaniard is not yet ready to compete after a stop-start pre-season, however he has allayed fears by stating his intention to return in time for the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.

The world No.1 was forced to withdraw from the ATP Finals in November with the same knee problem after a loss to David Goffin. He was due to play in an exhibition event at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships prior to Brisbane, but will not be making the trip to Abu Dhabi.

In a brief statement, the 31 year-old said on his official Twitter account: “I am sorry to announce I won’t be coming to Brisbane this year. My intention was to play but I am still not ready after last year’s long season and the late start of my preparation.

“I had a great time there [in Brisbane last year] and it was a great start to the month I spent in Australia. I will be seeing my Aussie fans when I land on the 4th [January] in Melbourne and start there my preparation for the Australian Open.”

Despite Nadal’s withdrawal, a strong field is once again expected to congregate in Queensland. Grigor Dimitrov will return to defend his title and Milos Raonic and Nick Kyrgios will also be involved.

Andy Murray is scheduled to make his return in Brisbane after a lengthy lay-off, however it’s not yet clear if he we will head Down Under. He is currently in Abu Dhabi practicing – perhaps in an effort to gauge his fitness – before deciding his next move.

Kei Nishikori was also expected in Queensland, but he has delayed his return for another week. His first tournament back after wrist trouble will now be the Sydney International.

Winner: Fibodo

Use fibodo to locate, book and securely pay for activities in your local area, from tennis and golf lessons to boot camps, yoga classes and Pilates. Fibodo offers an online and mobile booking management platform to providers of sport and leisure activities. For players, it makes finding a game easier and for coaches, clubs and venues: https://www.fibodo.com/

Billie Jean King’s Eye Coach

This tennis coaching and practice aid allows repetitive practice for all tennis players, from mini-red junior to tour standard. It aims to improve consistency in hitting from the sweet spot and to keep the eye on the point of contact for a 10th of a second to ensure the player is on balance on the strike. The device should add real value to coaches by focusing on head and eye contact, stroke and footwork technique as part of coaching sessions for individuals and group: https://www.connectedclubs.co.uk/eyecoach/

Teach Tennis International

In simple terms, this is a mini tennis coaching syllabus in digital format for children aged four to 10. It is a set of workbooks with more than 100 lesson plans supported by 3000 video clips. Regular assessments are incorporated to ensure that young players acquire the grounding and skill sets required to develop and improve playing performance into adulthood. Using the tools, coaches can spend more time on court, parents can see how their child is progressing, and venues and federations benefit from having a tennis programme aimed at developing and retaining players in the sport: http://www.teachtennis.net/

Reaction Tennis Ball

This new reaction tennis ball resembles a traditional tennis ball but delivers an irregular bounce, designed to simulate playing against a real opponent. As a practice tool, it is aimed at developing more rounded tennis players as they progress from mini tennis green balls to handle the challenges of a faster, harder adult ball. Unlike existing bounce-and-catch types of reaction training where a coach throws a ball, it allows players to connect with the ball using their racket, which the inventors of this product maintain is a better experience:http://www.jpricebath.co.uk/

Topspin Pro

A tennis training aid that helps people learn to play topspin. It comprises a stand, a spring-loaded ball on a spindle and a mesh screen that is set to match the racket-face angle of a topspin stroke through the impact zone. It is designed to force the correct stroke for topspin forehands and single- and double-handed topspin backhands. By removing the head unit on the device, it can be used for other shots including the slice serve. New players can use the device to gain confidence and build a sound platform from which to progress: http://www.topspinpro.com

Easytennis

The easyTennis app was developed to make tennis more accessible by automatically matching players based on location, skill level and availability. In essence, this is an online tennis club where, once a player has entered their profile, they are matched – courtesy of an algorithm – with players of a similar profile. A booking facility for public tennis courts is in development as a future part of the app. For beginners or players without an existing network who don’t want to join a tennis club, it potentially offers an easy entry point to the game: http://www.easytennis.co.uk

Tennis Scoring Column

The wooden scoreboard is a column that attaches to the net post. Its design enables spectators and players to view the score from any direction around the court. The 360-degree view means everyone knows the state of the match throughout each set. It can be used indoors and outdoors. Experienced players and spectators know how tennis scoring works, but the inventors of this device believe scoreboards have the potential to enhance the tennis experience, particularly in parks, as an integral part of learning and playing tennis: www.touchwood-furniture.co.uk/tennis

Qlipp

This light (8g) performance sensor attaches to the racket. The tracking technology within it analyses the spin, speed and sweet-spot accuracy of each shot. It transfers data, via Bluetooth, to the QLIPP mobile app in real time and a video feature provides slow-motion replay on any shot. The analytics are an easy and informative way for a player to learn more about their game: http://www.qlipp.com

Kollectaball

Designed by tennis coaches, this ballcollecting device allows you to collect balls quickly and dispense them into larger containers and ball baskets. It is lightweight and simple to use and seems to significantly reduce strain compared to traditional ball hoppers. There are interchangeable cages for different numbers of balls and it folds flat, making it easy to transport, even in a small car: www. kollectaball.com

Play More Tennis

Play More Tennis provides an app-based noticeboard for tennis facilities and venues. Users get push notifications of appropriate events for them (based on age, ability and gender) and can register through the app. Players can also arrange practice matches with friends or anyone of their skill level and build a list of tennis friends. The system includes the option of booking courts through the app, which can be downloaded from the app store or via the website. Go to the app store or register at Play Tennis

Twisternet

A foldable pop-up tennis net system that allows any version of tennis to played anywhere. The net can also be twisted into a rebound net as a coaching aid for mini-red and orange ball age groups and as a target for adults wishing to improve stroke play. Because it is rigid when fully opened, ordinary tennis balls can be used. Stable in most windy conditions, it can be used on the beach, in the garden or a park. It folds flat and is simple to set up and fold away so is easy to transport :https://www.twisternet.co.uk/

Winner: Zenniz

A tennis tracking system designed for players of all levels. It consists of one on-court touch display, two sensor cables placed around the court, mobile app and web service. It’s able to bring match statistics, line calling and player performance results immediately courtside or via the Zenniz app. The scope of the system and pricepoint mean that it is potentially an affordable innovation for many clubs and venues. For coaches, the real-time data could add significant value to lessons and player development. It utilises acoustic technology, which is relatively new in racket sports: http://www.zenniz.com/store/

Grigor Dimitrov Wins in LondonFrance end Davis Cup wait: First triumph in 16 yearsUSA win the Fed Cup Coco Vandeweghe leads her team to gloryITF rule changes – Will they help the game? We take a closer look

The 23-year-old, entrusted by Yannick Noah to end Les Blues Davis Cup heartache, produced a fine all-court display to overcome his below par opponent, who appeared to be hampered by a right arm issue.

Pouille established a break of serve in the second game of the first set and the outcome was never in doubt from that moment onwards. Darcis’ shots lacked pace and depth - and his opponent gleefully exploited his weaknesses.

After a pulsating tie that ebbed and flowed, the fifth and final rubber lacked excitement. The capacity crowd inside Stade Pierre-Mauroy did not seem to care though, and they were simply thrilled to avoid a nerve-shredding climax.

Davis Goffin had earlier ensured a fifth and final rubber would be required by defeating a frustrated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6(5) 6-3 6-2. The Belgian No.1 was outstanding for the duration of the contest, however his shotmaking exploits ultimately proved to be in vain.

Goffin won five of his six matches in the tournament this year but his admirable endeavours were not enough to prevent his nation from slipping to a second final loss in the last three years.

There has been much consternation surrounding Yannick Noah’s decision to omit Nicolas Mahut from the French doubles team, but the result on Saturday afternoon vindicates his decisiveness.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga now has the opportunity to seal victory for his nation in the fourth rubber on Sunday against David Goffin. The 32-year-old has encountered the Belgian No.1 on six previous occasions and won the majority.

If a fifth and final rubber is required, then Steve Darcis will take on either Gasquet or Lucas Pouille.

Gasquet and Herbert, roared on by a passionate home crowd inside Stade Pierre-Mauroy, started the match impressively. They combined well while their opponents lacked cohesion and intensity.

The French team took the opening gambit for the loss of just one game, however the second set was a much tighter affair. Breaks of serve were traded before Gasquet double-faulted to hand the initiative to their buoyant rivals.

Belgium had pulled level at one apiece, and they were soon in the hunt for more. With Gasquet serving at 3-3 in the fourth set, De Loore scudded a forehand return that clipped the forehead of the sprawling Herbert.

The spectators were less than enamoured with De Loore’s uncompromising style, but the Belgians did not seem to care. The underdogs had established a break and a 4-3 advantage.

Bemelmans had been Belgium’s star performer, but he stumbled when attempting to close out the set. He struggled to make a first serve and a hat-trick of fluffed volleys gave their opponents renewed hope.

A tiebreak was required to split the teams, and it was Les Blues who won it emphatically by seven points to two.

There had been a dramatic turnaround in the third set, and the French duo did enough see off their opponents in the fourth. The Belgian pair had performed well above their respective rankings, but they were unable to prevent their overjoyed opponents from moving clear on the scoreboard.

]]>Sat, 25 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000All-square in Lillehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/24/all-square-in-lille
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/24/all-square-in-lilleDavid Goffin, brimming with confidence after his run to the championship match of the ATP Finals last week, dispatched Lucas Pouille 7-5 6-3 6-1 before Jo-Wilfried restored parity with a thumping 6-3 6-2 6-1 win over the hapless Steve Darcis.

The results on the opening afternoon were expected and the doubles rubber on Saturday will likely go a long way to deciding the eventual outcome.

For Belgium to have any realistic hope of departing northern France with the trophy in tow, then their talisman needs to deliver for his nation. Goffin is tasked with leading his side to a first Davis Cup triumph and he has embraced the responsibility.

The world No.7 made light work of Pouille and wrapped up an emphatic victory in less than two hours. Goffin improved with each set and his eye-catching backhand purred in the latter stages.

Tsonga was expected to defeat Darcis in the second rubber to level the tie, and he achieved his objective with consummate ease. The 32-year-old conceded just six games as he raced to a quick win over his disjointed opponent.

It may have been the first ever meeting between Tsonga and Darcis, but the Belgian was hopelessly out of form. The world No.76 will need to perform considerably better if he is required to play a fifth and final rubber on Sunday.

]]>Fri, 24 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Dimitrov targets Grand Slam gloryhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/19/dimitrov-targets-grand-slam-glory
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/19/dimitrov-targets-grand-slam-gloryThis year, the Bulgarian bagged four trophies – in Brisbane, Sofia, Cincinnati and London – but he has not yet been able to snare a much-coveted major title.

The world No.3 has reached the semi-final stage at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, but he believes that to continue his progression, he needs to snap up one of the four biggest prizes in the sport.

Commenting after his dramatic three-set win over David Goffin in the championship match of the ATP Finals, the 26-year-old said: “I'm still trying to think about what I just did. I think now definitely we are going to sit down with the team and reassess the whole year, see what we've done good and what we can improve.

“Of course, one of my main goals is to win a Grand Slam tournament. This has always been a dream of mine.

“I'm getting there. I think I've had good results in the past, but now, as I said, I need to be even more consistent in those kind of events, and at the same time raise up my level on occasions like this.

“Obviously, this is a great, unbelievable achievement for me, but I still have a lot to give. I want to perform better and better.”

Dimitrov praised his coach, Dani Vallverdu, for helping him turn his fortunes around after a spell in the wilderness following his breakthrough campaign in 2014.

“Dani did a tremendous job with Andy (Murray), but also with Thomas (Berdych)," added the Bulgarian. "He was one of the biggest assets, I would say, in my team, especially when he joined last year. If you think about it, we've actually been together just a little bit over a year.

“I think we have a great understanding of the game. He could easily be the hardest-working coach out there. He knows the game inside-out. A lot of that success goes to him, absolutely. Everyone in my team has been on point throughout the whole year.”

]]>Sun, 19 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Dimitrov triumphs in Londonhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/19/dimitrov-triumphs-in-london
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/19/dimitrov-triumphs-in-londonThe 26-year-old edged a compelling contest with David Goffin 7-5 4-6 6-3 to win the Nitto ATP Finals in London. His campaign of promise has ended on the ultimate high note and he is the first Bulgarian to ever triumph at the season-finale.

Dimitrov dropped to his knees in disbelief the moment victory was confirmed - after his opponent fluffed a makeable volley - and he immediately embraced his family and friends before saluting his vocal compatriots inside the atmospheric O2 arena.

The Bulgarian began the year by chalking up three Top 10 victories in Brisbane, and he has had to wait until the last event of the season to capture another. He has notched up a further five Top 10 wins in London, and is the undisputed champion.

Spectators have become accustomed to the 'Big Four' trading blows in an effort to land the ATP’s blue-ribbon event, but this time, the final was different.

Dimitrov and Goffin were competing for the most important title of their respective careers and they were both noticeably, and understandably, anxious.

Unforced-errors rather than winners decided the majority of points in the early stages and it took until the fourth game before a hold of serve was registered. The Belgian held the lead, but his advantage did not last for long.

Serving to stay in the first set at 5-6, Goffin tried desperately to force a tiebreak, however his opponent was determined to avoid the lottery of a shootout.

Dimitrov witnessed four set-points slip by in a protracted 12th game, but he was not to be denied a fifth time. Goffin finally succumbed to the pressure and a loose backhand enabled the Bulgarian to move within a set of home.

For the last 11 years, the winner of the first set had departed with the trophy. Recent history was against Goffin, but from the moment he saved a break-point with a piercing backhand that clipped the line in the sixth game, he was in the ascendancy.

Dimitrov had been unable to take a vice-like grip of the match, and he lost his serve in the following game. A forehand winner driven into the corner was sufficient for the Belgian to take a 4-3 lead and eventually force a final set.

The decider was filled with tension. It was the Bulgarian who struck a decisive blow in the sixth game though, and he survived a fraught final few games to complete the job and delight his passionate supporters.

]]>Sun, 19 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Dimitrov earns title shothttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/18/dimitrov-earns-title-shot
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/18/dimitrov-earns-title-shotThe Bulgarian’s showed his mettle as he fought back from a precarious position to defeat Jack Sock 4-6 6-0 6-3 and reach the final of the Nitto ATP Finals in London

Dimitrov will take on David Goffin in the championship match on Sunday evening, a player he thrashed for the concession of just two games earlier this week. In securing victory over the American, the Bulgarian is now guaranteed to finish the year at a career-high ranking of No.3.

Dimitrov had dazzled in the group phase, and he made a lightning quick start in the knockout stages. His backhand down the line helped him establish a 3-0 lead and he came close to moving 4-0 ahead.

Sock has been under the cosh, but he soon settled and began to thrash his wicked forehand with distinction.

Dimitrov’s energetic start petered out and he struggled to cope with the velocity of his opponent's groundstrokes. The American won six of the final seven games in the set to pinch the opener.

In his previous match, Sock effectively downed tools in the second set after falling behind early - and he did similar against the Bulgarian. Rather than graft for every point, the 25-year-old went for Hollywood shots as he readied himself for a decider.

It has been a long and successful few weeks for the American in Europe, but he was fully engaged in the third set. He managed to stay with his confident opponent until the eighth game, before double-faults derailed his bid.

The Bulgarian, who has been known to get tight when trying to close out matches, was just a service hold from reaching the biggest final of his career - and the tension was palpable.

Dimitrov watched three match-points quickly disappear and he had to be alert to save two break-points as his rival refused to let his London dream stall without an almighty fight.

Chants of “Grisha” echoed around the O2 arena as the large number of Bulgarians present urged their man to apply the finishing touches, and he answered their call with his fourth match-point.

“I had a pretty poor start to each set,” admitted Sock afterwards. “I went down a break in the first but was able to get it back. I didn't win a game in the second and had some looks early in the third.

"When you play a player of that calibre, you can't give him that many opportunities, that many free points. He took advantage today. I thought he really stepped up his level in the second and third. He came up with some pretty crazy shots in the third set at some inopportune for myself.

"He stepped up his level, for sure. There's a reason he's been playing this consistently all year. That's the reason he's in the final.”

]]>Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Goffin: the biggest win of my careerhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/18/goffin-the-biggest-win-of-my-career
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/18/goffin-the-biggest-win-of-my-careerThe 26-year-old is just the sixth player to defeat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the same tournament - and yet sandwiched in the middle of his two greatest triumphs is a humiliating loss to Grigor Dimitrov.

The Belgian has taken full advantage of the unique format at the season-finale - where a group-stage defeat is not fatal - and he is now just 24 hours away from contesting the biggest match of his life.

To say his win over Federer at the semi-final stage was unexpected would be an understatement. He had lost his six previous duels with the Swiss and picked up just three games in their last meeting in Basel last month.

“The key was not to play in his forehand, it was just to play fast, to go from one side to the other one after my serve and after my return,” explained the overjoyed Belgian as he offered an insight into his tactics against the Swiss maestro.

“I wanted to change something because I was nervous. I started to feel the ball better at the end of the first set, so I wanted to be more aggressive. It paid off. I started to serve well. My forehand was much better and I was really aggressive.”

Reflecting on his unique achievement of beating both Federer and Nadal at the same tournament, the 26-year-old added: "Both are really special. It was my first time against Rafa. Then to beat Roger for the first time here in such a big event, big tournament, it was the perfect moment.

“It’s the best win of my career, for sure.”

]]>Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Goffin stuns Federer in Londonhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/18/goffin-stuns-federer-in-london
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/18/goffin-stuns-federer-in-londonThe Belgian, who had lost all six previous meeting with the Swiss, vowed to tweak his tactics in an effort to upset his illustrious opponent at the last four stage of the Nitto ATP Finals – and he produced the performance of his career to do just that.

Goffin caused a major shock as he recovered from a set down to defeat Federer 2-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the championship match of the season-finale. He will challege either Grigor Dimitrov or Jack Sock on Sunday evening.

So what did the Belgian do differently to end his barren run?

“He played better,” quipped Federer, in his post-match press conference.

Few could have foreseen what would happen after such a one-sided first set. Federer was on autopilot and his rival looked resigned to his fate after conceding serve in the first game of the match.

The pro-Federer crowd resorted to cheering on the Belgian in an effort to encourage him in the second set. The 26-year-old responded by raising his level and taking greater risks, and it paid immediate dividends.

The Belgian’s backhand – and forehand – down the line wreaked havoc and the Swiss failed to stay with his younger opponent. Goffin was buoyant while Federer was distinctly below par.

The Swiss had one opportunity to get back on serve in the second set, but he lashed a forehand beyond the baseline to allow his opponent to escape unharmed.

For the first time in two years, Goffin had snatched a set from his rival. It was assumed normal service would be resumed in the decider, however the Swiss continued to toil.

A miscued backhand from Federer cost him his serve in the third game, and matters were fast becoming serious for the six-time champion and his legions of fans.

Goffin held the advantage, and although most neutral observers were waiting for him to stumble, he continued to handle matters on serve without too much trouble.

When it came to serving out the match, the Belgian fired down a pair of aces before his opponent netted a forehand return to bring the match to an unexpected conclusion.

Federer bemoaned the second game of the second set, as he reflected on his loss. “It was a tough game to get broken at 1-0, I think it was, for him in the second,” remarked the 36-year-old, who is keen to embark on a two-week holiday with his family.

“I had multiple chances to get out of the game and get to one-all and keep the pressure up.

"I think I didn't serve as accurate as I should have. In that very moment, he connected well on a few returns to keep him in the game. I think in hindsight that was maybe a bit of a key moment in the match.

“I think things really turned around for him at that moment. He started to feel better from the return, from the baseline. He wasn't missing as much any more. He was returning also much better off the second serve after that.

“I just think he raised his game. I couldn't follow any more. Maybe my game dropped naturally a little bit because he was playing better. I maybe never really reached my best level because the first set was all right.

“It's pretty disappointing. At the end he did play extremely well, and he was the better player on the court. I feel like it's okay like this, you know, for him to win.”

]]>Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Murray & Lendl part wayshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/17/murray-and-lendl-part-ways
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/17/murray-and-lendl-part-waysThe Czech legend returned to the Scot’s coaching set up in June last year and helped his pupil win a third major title at Wimbledon the following month.

Murray, who is currently plotting a comeback after missing the second half of the season with a hip problem, previously separated from Lendl in 2014 after two successful seasons together.

“I’m thankful to Ivan for all his help and guidance over the years. We had great success and learned a lot as a team,” said Murray in a statement. “My focus now is on getting ready for Australia with the team I have in place and getting back to competing.”

“I wish Andy well going forward. We had a great run and a lot of fun,’ added Lendl, who will continue his work with the USTA.

It would appear that Murray, currently ranked No.16 in the world and keen to return at the Brisbane International in January, is in no rush to replace the Czech.

]]>Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Goffin completes semi-final line uphttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/17/goffin-completes-semi-final-line-up
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/17/goffin-completes-semi-final-line-upThe world No.8, the first ever Belgian to qualify for the season-finale, bounced back from a slow start to overcome his less than fully-fit opponent. The 26-year-old will take on Roger Federer in the last four on Saturday afternoon.

“I started okay,” said Goffin. “I was hitting the ball well, playing some good points. I was serving okay but Dominic didn't miss, didn't miss a lot.

“My service game (where he was broke) was not a bad service game, even if it was a love game, I knew that I was in the match, so I didn't panic after the first three games because he served well.

“I knew from the past that I have the return to break him. I knew I would have some opportunities to break him.

"As soon as I got back at three-all with a good service game, I knew that he was struggling a little bit with his groundstrokes. He was hitting too hard maybe a little bit. He lost his timing in his backhands. He started to think about how to hit the ball.”

Goffin may have won six of the nine previous meetings with his close friend and regular sparring partner, but it was the Austrian who established early control.

It was a lacklustre start from the Belgian, perhaps due to the heavy defeat he suffered against Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday, and his demeanour did not exude confidence.

Thiem quickly established a 3-0 lead, however his level of play soon plummeted. The 24-year-old lost his timing from the baseline and a steady stream of unforced-errors from his racket provided his opponent with welcome belief.

Goffin was back in the mix and his eagerness to strike the ball early troubled the Austrian, who appeared sluggish in defence. The understated Belgian claimed five games in succession to net the all-important opener.

Prior to the start of the second set, Thiem took a medical timeout for a cut to his knee but the delay in proceedings did little to help his cause. Goffin was in the ascendancy and he refused to allow his opponent, who was frequently reckless, an opportunity to muster a response.

The second set was the David Goffin Show, and his Davis Cup final preparations will need to wait for another couple of days.

]]>Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Federer: no regrets on schedulehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/16/federer-no-regrets-on-schedule
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/16/federer-no-regrets-on-scheduleThe world No.2 - who skipped the entire clay-court season - will finish the campaign just 140 ranking points behind Rafael Nadal if he lands an unprecedented 7th Tour Finals title on Sunday.

If the 36-year-old had been involved in more than 16 tournaments this season, then he would likely have secured year-end No.1 for a sixth time and equalled Pete Sampras’ total.

“Regrets? I don't have any,” admitted Federer when reflecting on his fine season.

“Maybe losing to Tommy Haas and Evgeny Donskoy ended up haunting me. I had match-points in both matches. It's not like I didn't try.

“If I miss out on world No.1 because of that, then maybe I was unlucky - but I also did win matches in Miami, saving match-points against Tomas Berdych and there were other matches throughout the season that could have been gone either way.

“I'm just happy I'm playing a great season. I'm so happy that I was able to reach this level of play and also still being able to play at the end of the year. I have no regrets because I totally over-exceeded my expectations. I'm injury-free and healthy right now and still enjoying myself."

Federer will finish the year close to Nadal in the rankings, but he has a sizeable chunk of points to defend at the start of the year, so another stint at No.1 is far from certain.

“I have 2,000 points to defend in Australia, he (Nadal) doesn't," remarked the Swiss. "There's the problem already. I know he also has a lot of points to defend (1,245) in Australia, but not as many as me.

“That's why I always said, look, it's not a realistic goal in some ways, you know, world No.1. It's the ultimate achievement in tennis in some ways, it always has been for me, but at this age, it just can't be because I think I'll make mistakes if I start chasing it.

“I'm not sure how much the body allows me to chase goals like this. I think I'm maybe also not playing the way I'm supposed to be playing, maybe I tense up, maybe I'm nervous, maybe that's not good for my back. Who knows what it is.

“I’m still far away from being close in the points with Rafa. I still need to win this tournament before it's actually really close. I'm only in the semis. The big points are really coming now, so that's why my focus is on the semis. If I would win that, of course it's just on the final.”

The Swiss, who will attempt to add to his 302 weeks at No.1 in 2018, believes Nadal, who he has defeated four times this year, deserves to finish the campaign on top of the pile.

“The year played out the way it did, and Rafa was better,” added the 19-time major champion. “He deserves to be there. I'm really happy for him because he had a rough season as well in 2016. It's great for him.

"In Australia, I just hope to be fit again, to walk out on Rod Laver Arena and hopefully defend my title, but that’s still very far away at this point.”

]]>Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000Federer marches onhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/16/federer-marches-on
http://www.tennishead.net/news/on-tour/2017/11/16/federer-marches-onWith the Swiss already assured of qualification and the Croatian unable to avoid elimination, there was little on the line for both players – apart from the small matter of 200 ranking points and $191,000 in prize money.

The match was played in the right spirit, though, and there was a competitive edge from first ball to last. Cilic weathered an early storm before nicking the opening set in a tiebreak, however he was still unable to end his London jaunt on a high note.

Both players created opportunities to break at the start of the second set, but there was no significant breakthrough. The games ticked by at pace before Cilic faltered in the tenth game.

The world No.5 produced a poor service game - while struggling with nerves - at a critical juncture. He was tormented by unforced-errors and a wayward backhand meant a decider was required.

The crowd had the third set they craved, but Federer was not keen on exerting too much energy with a semi-final on the horizon. He ripped a forehand return winner to establish a 2-0 lead and was in cruise control from that moment onwards.

Cilic was shell-shocked at how quickly the match had slipped from his grasp, but his shaky forehand contributed to his demise. The Swiss magician was in exhibition mode in the closing stages and he wrapped up the decider in just 26 minutes.

Federer will take on ether Dominic Thiem or David Goffin in the last four on Saturday afternoon.

]]>Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000GearDjokovic to wear new shoeshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2018/01/11/djokovic-to-wear-new-shoes
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2018/01/11/djokovic-to-wear-new-shoesWhen Novak Djokovic played his first match for more than six months in the Kooyong Classic exhibition event in Melbourne on Wednesday much of the talk surrounded his new service action, which he appears to have modified as a result of the elbow problem which had been keeping him off the court.

However eagle-eyed observers will have noticed another change during the former world No 1’s encouraging victory over Dominic Thiem. Djokovic was wearing blue-and-white Asics shoes during his 6-1 6-4 win and wore them again in the evening when he took part in the Tie Break Tens exhibition in Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park.

The news was confirmed the following day as Djokovic revealed that during his time rehabilitating he had also taken the decision to part company with Adidas, his long-term shoe of choice, and had worked with the technical team at Asics to develop a bespoke version of the GEL-RESOLUTION.

Announcing Djokovic as their newest brand ambassador, Paul Miles, Chief Marketing Officer at Asics, said: “Over the years tennis has undergone rapid change with players demanding not only speed and agility in a shoe but also stability and durability. Understanding these needs is critical to realising our long-term vision to become the No 1 footwear brand in tennis.

“Our partnership with Novak demonstrates our commitment to the tennis category as one of our key focus areas globally.”

Speaking at the launch of the new shoe, Djokovic explained how the decision came about. “It was a big move for me,” he said. “I have played in the adidas tennis shoe for most of my life and a tennis shoe is an item of your apparel that you don't want to mess with too much. I am very grateful to the whole Asics team for being patient in the process of customising the shoe.”

The process of customisation has taken a few months, with various models being tried by the six-time Australian Open champion.

“I started running in them, testing them, and it was a most intense process,” Djokovic said. “I am very happy with the shoe.”

In the longer term the Asics team will be working with Djokovic to develop the shoe for all surfaces.

The shoe is focused on stability, with The Lateral Support Brace, which enhances stability on the forefoot. The redesigned FlexionFit upper is covered by polyurethane (PU) for support and comfort. The External Heel Counter places additional emphasis on rear-foot support and stability

“My movement is very quick,” Djokovic said. “I do slide a lot on all surfaces, so I need that stability.

“Movement is everything in our sport. You need to feel comfortable wearing the shoes.”

Djokovic has not played competitively since Wimbledon. He pulled out of last week’s Qatar Open, saying he was not yet ready to return, and has yet to confirm that he will play in the Australian Open, which begins on Monday. Djokovic went into the draw as the No 14 seed.

"Novak has recently returned to court from his injury,” Motoi Oyama,Chairman, President and CEO, Representative Director, Asics, said. “We are sure he will be among for an even higher level performance and we will be supporting his journey developing products for him.”

The GEL-RESOLUTION NOVAK will be available to buy in the UK from January 15 2018.

]]>Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000ASICS Gel Court Speed Shoehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2018/01/02/asics-gel-court-speed-shoe
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2018/01/02/asics-gel-court-speed-shoeKeen-eyed observers of professional tennis will no doubt have noticed the successes last year of so many players who are ambassadors for the ASICS brand.

In the women’s game Johanna Konta and Coco Vandeweghe both finished 2017 ranked in the world’s Top 10. Konta reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon and won titles in Sydney and Miami, while Vandeweghe rounded off a fine season by leading the United States to Fed Cup glory.

Meanwhile Julia Goerges jumped 40 places in the world rankings to finish at No.14 after ending her year with successive title triumphs in Moscow and Zhuhai.

David Goffin also came good in the closing weeks of the campaign to finish the year at a career-high No 7 in the rankings. A late qualifier for the Nitto ATP Finals in London after winning titles in Shenzhen and Tokyo, the Belgian went on to finish runner-up to Grigor Dimitrov at the year-end championships before participating in the Davis Cup final.

All of these players have relied on footwear created by a brand that has expertise across a variety of sports and has built an enviable reputation within tennis.

The new Gel Court Speed is a shoe designed for club players who value high-quality materials but also have an eye on their wallet. “My goal is to create the best possible footwear for every consumer,” says Rene Zandbergen, Senior Footwear and Innovation Manager.

The Gel Court Speed, which was two years in development, is a brand new model in the Speed range. It aims to combine the seemingly two opposite qualities of speed and stability. To achieve this, the shoe incorporates many of the advanced technologies of the existing ASICS range.

For instance, the “Propulsion Trusstic” system provides a stable platform that helps with forward and backward motion in sprinting and jumping - allowing every player to channel their inner Gael Monfils. The system supports the tendon in the arch of the foot, which in turn helps the foot to become less fatigued as you move around the court.

Club players also want durability so features like “P Guard” have been included in the shoe to extend its life. The materials used on the outside of the shoe in the Gel Court Speed have been developed to last. “Hot meld” upper reinforcements add to the capacity of the shoe to endure many hours of on-court action.

Zandbergen’s team at ASICS have worked hard to ensure all of this is contained in a shoe that remains light. That is an important factor for club players, who are not as strong as the professionals. “We are using a new mix of upper materials to make sure the shoe becomes lighter in weight,” Zanbergen said.

Aesthetics also played a key role in the development of the shoe. Zandbergen said: “The goal with the Gel Court Speed was to create its own character with a clean, fast look and to deliver the high ASICS standards of a tennis shoe in terms of comfort, light weight and durability.”

Witness the elegant-looking colours of the women’s shoes and the inclusion of a dazzling blue and yellow men’s shoe – guaranteed to brighten even the darkest UK winter’s day.

With the launch of ASICS’ Gel Court Speed, club-level players have a shoe that benefits from the technologies developed for the pros, but one that also responds to their needs.

Available Colours

Men

Ink Blue/Sulphur Spring/Turkish Tile

White/Silver

Women

Porcelain Blue/Silver/White

White/Silver

Launched in the UK, December 1st, 2017. Cost: £100

]]>Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000tennishead 2017 improver racket reviewshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/07/01/tennishead-2017-improver-racket-reviews
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/07/01/tennishead-2017-improver-racket-reviewsWe have all been guilty of looking at a professional tennis player and thinking we look like them when we step on court. But the reality is very different, particularly if you are new or returning to the game. You might be tempted to choose Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer’s racket but they will be far too heavy and unforgiving for improvers. You should probably look for a bigger head size and most certainly a lighter frame.

It is a good idea to test out rackets before buying, to get a feel for what the racket is like. There are technical things you could understand about racket technology, but how you feel playing with a certain frame is also important. The good ones are not cheap so you want to make a good investment and your racket is the most crucial piece of kit (along with your shoes) that will help you enjoy, and improve, your game.

]]>Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100tennishead 2017 intermediate racket reviewshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/27/tennishead-2017-intermediate-racket-reviews
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/27/tennishead-2017-intermediate-racket-reviewsThese rackets are ideal for players who regularly play competition and who generally play a lot of tennis, but who want a balance of power and control and a racket that is not so heavy that at the end of a session they end up with a sore arm or shoulder. It’s certainly worth testing out a few rackets to get a feel for what you do and don’t like, but to help you find your way through what’s on offer, here’s our take on some of the best rackets aimed at club players.

]]>Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100tennishead 2017 advanced racket reviewshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/22/tennishead-2017-advanced-racket-reviews
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/22/tennishead-2017-advanced-racket-reviewsFor advanced players, choosing a new racket isn’t necessarily overwhelming, the trouble is picking one that is going to aid you in making the minor improvements to your game that you’re after. It can take a considerable amount of time to read up on the latest and most advanced technologies a piece of equipment can bring you so we’re summarising it to help you with those decisions.

]]>Thu, 22 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Adidas unveils Wimbledon whiteshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/21/adidas-unveils-wimbledon-whites
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/21/adidas-unveils-wimbledon-whitesThe history and tradition at the All England Club remains unrivalled and Garbine Muguruza and Caroline Wozniacki will be donning the new adidas by Stella McCartney’s Barricade SS17 collection in London.

It has been a troubled year for Muguruza as she was unable to defend her French Open title in Paris and she has dropped outside the top 10 as a consequence. “I love to experiment with my style on and off the court but it can be difficult to express your personality at Wimbledon,” said the Spaniard. “The combination of different textures makes my dress really stand out and it's one of the reasons I am really happy to be wearing adidas by Stella McCartney.”

Wozniacki has enjoyed an excellent first half to the campaign and she is currently fifth in the WTA race to Singapore. “This season is going great,” said the former No.1. “I’ve been playing some of my best tennis and I’m excited and hopeful to translate that into success at Wimbledon this year. My outfit this year is such a modern twist on the traditional Wimbledon outfit – I’m excited to wear it on court.”

The 2017 Wimbledon Championships begins on July 3.

]]>Wed, 21 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Rafa's racket through the yearshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/21/rafas-racket-through-the-years
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/21/rafas-racket-through-the-yearsThere may have been a few changes of apparel during Nadal’s illustrious career, from the pirate look of the early years - who could forget the cut-off sleeves and the three-quarter length pants? But one thing has been constant since 2004 is his Babolat Pure Aero racket (AeroPro Drive).

There have been some adjustments to the racket set up as the Spaniard’s game has evolved, for example he added 2 grammes of extra weight to the frame in the winter of 2016.

Babolat have been with him all the way. “When we understood how strong he would be, we decided to build a new racket completely adapted to his game. A racket that focuses on power and spin,” explains Eric Babolat, CEO.

This is how the Babolat Aeropro Drive (now Pure Aero) was born, a unique racket courtesy of its famous aerodynamic section. It was designed with the technical collaboration of players and the Babolat team beginning in 2004.

“It is still more or less the same racket even though it has evolved with technological innovations made by Babolat. We also made tweaks on the frame,” explained Nadal, who won an unprecedented 10th French Open title at Roland Garros.

Babolat recently presented the Spaniard with the Pure Aero Decima, which has the trophies on the inside of the frame as well as yellow and orange colours to symbolise the AeroPro Drive and the clay courts of Roland Garros, the site of ten historic championships for Nadal.

For unique insight into Nadal’s relationship with Babolat and the changes that have been made to his chosen weapon click here.

The racket impressed our testers in the appearance stakes from the outset with the blue, black and white colour combination as both Katharine and Ali described it as ‘stylish’.

It’s an updated and lighter version with the aim of it being more forgiving for players. The 110 square inch head combined with the open string pattern allows players to generate spin on the ball where necessary.

Ali disagreed in the power elements as she explained the power didn’t feel right for her and she didn’t feel comfortable with it. This racket is ideal for a player who is after more control than power in their game.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Dunlop NT R6.0http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-dunlop-nt-r60
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-dunlop-nt-r60The Dunlop NT R6.0 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it is well priced.

At 281g, the bright yellow Dunlop NT R6.0 is the heaviest frame in the improver range. The newly launched NT range is pioneering the concept of power and feel – essentially bringing back the feel to the player.

Katharine agreed that it was a powerful racket but she struggled to control her shots so it didn’t suit her as much as some of the other frames.

Selling at £149.99 it is an attractive price for those looking to purchase a tennis racket for those who are after a slightly heavier and powerful frame than some of the other options out there.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: HEAD Graphene Touch Speed PWRhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-head-graphene-touch-speed-pwr
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-head-graphene-touch-speed-pwrThe HEAD Graphene Touch Speed PWR was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it's ideal for those seeking to add more weight to their shot.

At 115 square inches, the head size was something Jackie noticed immediately. The increased hitting surface allows improver players a larger margin for error if they don’t necessarily hit the centre of the strings every time. The added length, which is now 27.3 inches in total, generates increased power on serves, overheads and from the back of the court.

Jackie, who hadn’t played with a HEAD racket before, said, “I found it very comfortable to play with as it was easy to control the ball whilst get the power I required.”

This racket is certainly suitable for an improver player who is seeking to add more power to their game.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: MANTIS Performa 260http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-mantis-performa-260
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-mantis-performa-260The MANTIS Performa 260 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it made a positive impression.

The MANTIS Performa 260 is the first oversize racket to be introduced into the MANTIS racket portfolio. The 115 square inch head size provides a large sweet spot enabling players to generate lots of power whilst the open 16x19 string pattern helps players easily generate spin.

The large sweet spot also increases comfort by reducing shock on off-centre hits. Having not heard much about the brand before, Ali felt she got ample power and control from the racket. “I enjoyed using it but I’m unsure if I’d buy it, but I felt it benefited my groundstrokes and serve.”

At £130 it is one of the less expensive rackets in the improver range and our testers thought you’d certainly get a lot for your money.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

At 225g the Pacific BXT Nexus is the lightest frame in the pack – as well as the longest at 27.75 inches. The oversized hitting area of 118 square inches allows extra forgiveness for off-centre shots for those looking for a little extra help.

Ali described it as ‘meaning business’ and ‘a weapon’ based on its oversized frame. She felt happy with the power levels generated but with more practice she’d be able to control her shots to a satisfactory level.

This solid racket that has a good balance of power and control would suit a player looking for a bit more pace on their shots. In addition, the specific ultra-light design would be ideal for an improver player who wants to avoid or already suffers from tennis elbow or arm issues given the light weight frame.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Prince Warrior 107Thttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-prince-warrior-107t
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-prince-warrior-107tThe Prince Warrior 107T was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it proved to be a hit.

It is is a more compact racket within the improver category with a 107 square inch head and a 24-28mm beam.

This model proved very popular with our testers on the day. Both Jackie and Katharine liked it from the outset with its smart, sleek matte finish. Despite it being on the heavier end of the improver models at 280g, Katharine and Jackie felt it was light and comfortable to play with.

Jackie said: “I liked the Prince because it felt really good as soon as I picked it up – it felt really like part of me and when I was actually serving I just thought it felt really good. It was like an extension of my arm.”

Both ladies currently play with a Prince racket so do have a close affiliation with the brand but were very interested in the Warrior 107T model to potentially purchase. This particular model would work well for a player who is looking for a frame that isn’t ultra-light and can benefit from effortless power combined with control.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Pro Kennex KiQ+30http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-pro-kennex-kiq30
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-pro-kennex-kiq30The Pro Kennex KiQ+30 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it was difficult to control.

The Pro Kennex KiQ+30 is the latest update of the KiQ30 model with increased Kinetic technology to give extra power and vibration dampening particularly to help prevent tennis elbow. The 27.5-inch length and 120 square inch head means it’s ideal for improver level players looking for additional power on their shots.

The appearance of the racket didn’t stun our testers but the power levels certainly did. Ali and Jackie both felt that lots of power came from the model and were impressed with the level of feel particularly even on an off-centre shot due to the large sweet spot which aided their groundstrokes immensely.

Jackie said: “The Pro Kennex wasn’t as easy to control because it had loads of power but I thought it might be worth putting the effort in to control the power. I felt like I could hit it really hard which was great. I felt like a professional out there!”

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Tecnifibre T-Fight 265http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-tecnifibre-t-fight-265
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-tecnifibre-t-fight-265The Tecnifibre T-Fight 265 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it is suited for those seeking greater control.

With a head size of just 100 square inches, the Tecnifibre T-Fight 265 is the smallest frame of the category and possesses the thinnest beam at 23mm.

This model was one of Ali’s favourites from the red, blue and white ‘jazzy’ look to an improvement of her baselines shots. Jackie noticed an improvement on her serves with the T-Fight 265, Katharine felt it had great levels of control, which, allowed for full, faster swings. This racket will be particularly suitable for a player who is after greater degrees of control in their game rather than pure power.

The French manufacturers, Tecnifibre, are well known to some in the tennis world but not all. Ali said: “It’s actually really interesting because before today I had never heard of Tecnifibre so it wouldn’t have been something I would usually have looked at, so it’s opened my eyes a bit to brands I hadn’t heard of.”

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Volkl VSense4http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-volkl-vsense4
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-volkl-vsense4The VOLKL VSense4 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it's ideal for those who like to advance to the net.

Both Katharine and Jackie were new to the brand so it was very interesting to hear their findings. The matte look of the VSense4 was popular and the aim of this oversized racket at 27.6 inches was to provide additional power, albeit controllable power, and offer the option to generate spin.

Both ladies agreed it offered good power levels and worked well at the net as well as the at the back of the court. Katherine said, “It was easy to control and I felt I played well with this one.”

The generous head size makes it easy to strike the ball well, even when you are under pressure and Volkl rackets, although not particularly high profile in the UK, have a loyal following, a case of those that play with them love them. It could just be the racket for you.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

The Wilson Ultra 108 has a sleek, classic and smart look that was well received by our testers. On the heavier end of the spectrum for the improver category at 280g, this model offers a generous sweet spot with the ability to generate pace and spin with its 108 square inch head.

Jackie felt it was heavier than some other models she’d tried but it helped her get some extra bite on her serves. Katharine was particularly impressed with the combination of power, control and spin that she was able to generate.

She said: “I liked the Wilson because I played well with it. I felt comfortable with it as soon as I had it in my hand, it looked good and I’m familiar with the brand so all those things drew me to it. Despite playing with a Prince, I was keen to give this one a go and it lived up to my expectations so I would be tempted to buy one.”

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Yonex VCore SV 105http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-yonex-vcore-sv-105
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/20/racket-review-yonex-vcore-sv-105The Yonex VCore SV 105 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for players in the improver category and it will help those looking for greater power.

Known for their compact rackets with small frames, the Yonex VCore SV 105 is the lightest and one of the most powerful of the VCore SV series. This solid and comfortable racket was one that stood out for Ali, albeit to her surprise. Other than the red and black appearance which let it down for her at first glance, she was happy with the power, control and spin combination she got in all areas of her game.

“The look of the Yonex was the thing that let it down for me but I did play my best tennis with it," she said. "I think I would buy it to be honest so I think I could overcome the look of the Yonex because I liked it. I play with an old Wilson and I do need to buy a new racket.”

This racket is perfect for an improver player who is looking for controllable power combined with spin without it being an oversized head racket.

Tennishead's 2017 improver racket reviews appear in the June edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100The face of ASICShttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/09/the-face-of-asics
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/09/the-face-of-asicsKonta is the face of the Japanese brand after a sensational two seasons, climbing from outside the world's top 150 in 2015 to winning her first WTA title in Stanford last July and establishing herself as a Top 10 player after two Premier-level titles this season.

Highlights include a run to the semi-finals at the 2016 Australian Open, where she became the first British woman to reach the last four at a Grand Slam since 1983 and winning the biggest title of her career in Miami in March.

The British No.1, who celebrated her 26th birthday last month, is enjoying all the new benefits of her new status, such as a place in the seeds’ locker room at Grand Slams and invitations to various social events, including a recent trip to Buckingham Palace.

However, some commitments are decidedly less glamourous. At the end of last season, Konta travelled straight to Paris from China to shoot the adverts for the ASICS 2017 Collection.

“It was freezing cold,” she said. “These are summer outfits, not made for 2 degree weather so I would be shooting and filming and then I’d be wrapped in blankets, then they’d unwrap me, send me back and then I’d be shooting; that was pretty much how two days went.”

“But it was great fun,” she added. “We worked with really great people, and it was the first time I got to see the 2017 collection.”

]]>Fri, 09 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Best of both worldshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/08/best-of-both-worlds
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/08/best-of-both-worldsAlan Kelly and Kristin Price launched Epirus London earlier this year with three bags - a backpack, 24-hour bag and a weekend bag - in charcoal and black to suit players with busy lifestyles.

“In our younger days Kristin and I both trained daily, competed internationally and played on scholarship for university teams in the USA and then afterwards on the blues teams of Oxford and Cambridge,” explains Kelly. “But when we joined the working world, we quickly realised the brightly-coloured, heavily-branded bags we had carried all our lives were cumbersome, looked ridiculous with professional attire and were useless in every context beyond the court.

“We spent years searching fruitlessly for a bag that could transition seamlessly from the tennis court to the rest of our lives - be it the office, gym, pub or weekend away with friends and family. Everywhere we looked we saw people ditching their traditional tennis bags as they struggled to fit the sport into their busy lifestyle. So, realising we weren't alone, we set out to create a new category of tennis bag.”

Named after the Fulham flat in Epirus Mews where the business idea was conceived, the pair made their first collection of bags available for pre-order on crowdfunding site Kickstarter at the end of last year and received £21,000 in orders in the first month.

The water-repellent bags hold all your daily essentials, such as laptop, tablet, phone, wallet and chargers, as well as space for at least two rackets and dedicated compartments to keep clean clothes and shoes separate.

“Epirus bags allow you to seamlessly transition from the tennis court, to work, to the gym and then out to dinner in style,” says Kelly. “We're on a mission to help busy people fit more sports and exercise into their lives and look great while doing it.”

Lighter rackets are used by some of the top players, particularly on the women’s side as a number we tested in the advanced category are simply too heavy. The Babolat Pure Strike 100 is used by Britain's Heather Watson. The French manufacturer has made sure the title matches the technologies used as the Pure Strike was specifically designed for players who want to combine speed and precision.

It’s certainly striking to the eye as Jem and Elliot were both impressed with unusual, yet unique, look of the racket. The racket offered great control to each of the players due to its solid and stiff feel. Coming in at 300g in weight it would be ideal for a powerful baseliner who is looking for a little more control in their game.

Jem said: “It felt much more solid than the last Pure Strike and I would say there’s more control than power but the bite is there when needed.” Elliot was pleasantly surprised by the upgrade from the previous model. “It’s a big improvement on last year’s model as this one felt very different to other Babolat rackets," he said.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

As part of the brand new Dunlop NT Yellow range, the R4.0 didn’t disappoint. It came across as a well-balanced, powerful and extremely solid racket. At 290g, Howard and Jenny much preferred this lighter weight than that of the 308g R3.0 in the advanced category.

The stability of the racket was evident at the net and the baseline which made for an all-round solid piece to add to the racket bag given the combination of spin, power and control that it offered. The technology behind the NT R4.0 is to give the player less vibrations and more power, feel and spin and by offering a larger head size at 100sq it will suit players who are after a slightly head heavy frame with excellent power and manoeuvrability.

This racket certainly appealed to Howard who said, “I felt it had great feel on everything all round.”

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

The Speed series, endorsed by Novak Djokovic, was designed for players who are baseliners with a powerful game yet wish to incorporate spin as well as solid net play. The Speed series is generally quite heavy and the Touch Speed S has an unstrung weight of 310g, combined with a thin 22mm beam which offers power and spin.

When it came to the views of our testers, Howard and Elliot had different opinions. They agreed that it was a powerful racket that allowed good depth of shots, however Elliot felt it lacked stability and was rather disappointed with the slightly flimsy feel when under pressure.

By contrast Howard said: “I was able to hit with spin without any issues so maintaining control with this racket was simple and all round I felt it was really nice to play with.”

For those who like the Speed series but would prefer a lighter model then definitely check out the rest of the range.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

At 24mm the beam of the Pacific BXT Raptor is wider than most of the other intermediate rackets offering players greater stability with a less stiff feel to the racket. If you’re prone to tennis elbow or arm issues, then this racket is more forgiving in terms of protection.

Howard and Jem were impressed with the modern matte look of the Raptor combined with its black and orange colour combination. In the playing stakes the mixture of control and power was evident for both players in their evaluation.

“It has loads of control – I even felt like I could never miss and it’s easy to use as it feels solid behind all of my shots,” said Howard. Jem agreed and admitted he was quite surprised how well the racket played and felt given it was a less well-known brand.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

All of our testers were drawn to the almost fluorescent black and orange look, picking up some brownie points before a ball had been struck. As one of the skinniest frames in the intermediate pack this racket is certainly suited to a player who prefers a less chunky racket.

The testers were impressed with the size of the sweet spot which allowed us to accrue plenty of power, particularly at the back of the court, as well as proving to be forgiving if we misfired on occasions.

Jem said: “I managed to get good control as well, I could maintain good racket head speed due to the thin beam.”

For a club player who is after power, spin and a thinner feel to their racket then check out this model.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

An update on the KiQ15, the KiQ+15 has one of the largest head sizes and chunkiest beams in the intermediate pack. At 26mm it’s a whole 7mm thicker than that of the Q+ Tour in the advanced category. The idea behind this model is to provide a light, powerful racket for the player who wants extra comfort and control with easy access to spin.

Despite slightly underwhelming our testers with its minimalist black and blue appearance, this model certainly showcased its ability to generate power on the court. Elliot said: “I managed to get so much power and it was surprisingly so easy to generate as well as having a really consistent feel.”

Jem was also impressed with the great power levels due to the large sweet spot but was concerned of over hitting slightly in the control stakes. With an extra 25% of Kinetic mass in the frame, to maintain comfort for those with tennis elbow, this solid racket was certainly recommended for intermediate level players who are looking for a comfortable racket that is also able to generate more power in their game.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Tecnifibre T-Fight 280http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/01/racket-review-tecnifibre-t-fight-280
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/01/racket-review-tecnifibre-t-fight-280In the second part of our 2017 racket reviews our testers put rackets aimed at club players through their paces The T-Fight 280 model falls into the Series 2 category within the Tecnifibre Fight range.

The French manufacturers who are promoting the #fightsmart have made this series comprising three rackets all under 300g. The weight is in the name as at 280g the T-Fight 280 is the lightest racket tested in the intermediate category. Howard felt it benefited him on the serve in terms of his accuracy and spin he could generate.

He could generate power but he felt it lacked in the control department. “I felt there was an element of control but that racket felt a little flimsy so balls flew off the strings which meant it didn’t feel as solid,” he said.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Volkl VSense V1MPhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/01/racket-review-volkl-vsense-v1mp
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/06/01/racket-review-volkl-vsense-v1mpIn the second part of our 2017 racket reviews our testers put rackets aimed at club players through their paces The VSense V1M was not aesthetically pleasing to our testers, Jem and Elliot, given that its grey appearance lacked ‘wow’ factor.

However, if we take a look at the on-court characteristics, ‘effortless power’ was a term banded about by both Jem and Elliot. Given the sizeable head size at 102 square inches, it allowed the testers to generate extra bite on their shots whilst being able to maintain consistent control.

While Elliot was pleasantly surprised with the model being light, forgiving, balanced and less bulky to hit with than it looked, Jem raved about his net play. He said: “I couldn’t miss at the net with it. I hate coming to the net but I don’t mind being at it with that racket!”

Both testers were impressed with this model highly recommended it to intermediate players as they felt it ticked many boxes.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

A bigger head and lighter weight than that of the Pro Staff 97 in the advanced category, the Wilson Burn 100CV is a more forgiving and manageable racket for intermediate players.

The Burn range, which is championed by the likes of Kei Nishikori and Simona Halep, was designed to combine power and spin to produce a big game from the baseline just like Nishikori and Halep.

Both Elliot and Jenny felt it was a very solid racket to hit with and when we hit it the centre of the strings our shots were extremely effective due to the sheer power we could generate. Elliot said: “I found it a very solid racket but it was slightly variable on off centre hits.”

The matte appearance of the racket certainly gave it a real modern look.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

With ambassadors such as Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios and Angelique Kerber, Yonex is well represented brand of the ATP and WTA tours. In terms of intermediate levels the Yonex EZone DE100 is the racket of choice as it was designed for the all-round player who requires both comfort and maximum ball speed.

In the appearance category Jem described the racket as ‘standing out from the get go’ due to its vibrant colour combination. When it came to hitting with it he and Howard felt it was an effective, powerful and solid racket when they hit the sweet spot.

The new isometric technology was designed to increase the size of the sweet spot but the caveat was if they hit off-centre the ball often landed short. They were, however, impressed with the feel on their serves and volleys which was aided by the 16x19 string pattern.

Tennishead's 2017 intermediate racket reviews were published in the May edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Evans sporting Ellesse for summerhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/31/evans-sporting-ellesse-for-summer
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/31/evans-sporting-ellesse-for-summerThe Brit hit the headlines earlier in the year for his run to the fourth round of the Australian Open, where he was wearing unbranded kit after his Nike contract expired at the end of 2016.

However, it has been a successful first half of the 2017 season for Evans both on and off the court, climbing to a career high ranking of No.41 in March and signing a sponsorship deal with Italian clothing manufacturer ellesse.

“I am very grateful for the support given by ellesse and it's a bonus that I am a huge fan of the clothing so feel extremely comfortable competing in the brand,” said Evans.

Following his defeat to Tommy Robredo in Paris, the world No.55 will now focus on preparing for the grass court season on his home soil. The 27-year-old will play the Aegon Open Nottingham followed by the Aegon Championships at Queen's Club. He will then compete at the Aegon International at Eastbourne before heading to Wimbledon for the 131st Championships.

Evans’ kit for Wimbledon is naturally predominantly white, albeit with a pop of neon orange, but for the rest of the grass court tournaments Evans will be sporting navy and orange.

“It's important to feel good in what you’re wearing out on court and know that your brand represents your personality where possible,” said Evans. “The current collection is great, very stylish and I'm looking forward to the future collections to follow.”

]]>Wed, 31 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Djokovic signs Lacoste dealhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/22/djokovic-signs-lacoste-deal
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/22/djokovic-signs-lacoste-dealThe day after announcing that Andre Agassi would be his new coach at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic celebrated his 30th birthday with a new clothing deal after he was unveiled as Lacoste's new style ambassador.

Created by tennis player and inventor, Rene Lacoste, in 1933, the French brand, with its iconic crocodile logo, has brought on the world No.2 as its style ambassador, both on and off the court.

Lacoste, who was nicknamed 'Le Crocodile' for the tenacity he displayed on court, revolutionised sportswear when he created the Lacoste L12.12 polo shirt, which enabled freedom of movement with its unique fabric (the cotton petit pique).

Fast forward to 2017 and the brand has created a clothing line especially for the defending French Open champion. With varying touches of blue, white and red on a plain background, the clothing features ergonomic stitching to prevent chafing and styles that are comfortable to move in, while the shorts come in white and black. Djokovic’s signature is printed on the left sleeve of the polo shirt.

]]>Mon, 22 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Babolat Pure Aero VS Tourhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-babolat-pure-aero-vs-tour
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-babolat-pure-aero-vs-tourThe Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for advanced players. The racket is attractive to many, given that Rafael Nadal’s racket is within this range, and it doesn't disappoint.

Jem and Howard both tested this racket complimenting the classic two-tone black and yellow look with there being little change to the appearance over the years.

The Aero VS Tour, which has been specifically designed for players who need to control their power with spin, ranked well with Howard as he said, “I was able to hit plenty of spin with enough control to match it.”

Jem agreed and added that there was consistent use of effortless power. He said: “With such a large sweet spot in place controlling the ball was easy!”

The chunky feel of the racket made it surprisingly solid at the net as both players were rather impressed with the crisp feel on their volleys.

With such positive feedback on this racket it’s hard to recognise a negative point, but at an unstrung weight of 320g the Aero VS Tour is rather heavy. For those after a lighter version look at the rest of the Pure Aero range.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

Dunlop, once a very popular brand with top players such as John McEnroe, Tommy Robredo and Amelie Mauresmo, have brought a splash of bright yellow to their newly launched NT Yellow range. The eye-popping appearance of the NT R3.0 went down very well with our testers who all approved of the strong, bright and vibrant look.

The technology behind the NT R3.0 is to give the player less vibration and more power, feel and spin so you’re getting a more solid racket. This was in fact Jem’s favourite racket of the bunch as he explained it was a very rewarding racket to play with and it very much appealed to him. He said: “I managed to get effortless power combined with spin which helped me to hit the ball consistently deep as well as having great control.”

Elliot was pleasantly surprised by this racket and noticed a huge improvement on last year’s range. This racket is particularly suitable for a player who already has big, powerful ground strokes and is looking to bring a little more control and feel to their game.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

HEAD are one of the most well-known brand leaders in tennis rackets with the men's top two players using HEAD rackets. The Graphene Touch Instinct MP, used by Tomas Berdych, comes in at a more manageable price range and one of the lightest of the advanced category rackets at 300g, but did it impress our testers?

The consensus was it was aesthetically pleasing and it provided the players with plenty of control and good feel at the net. However, it lacked power. Howard said: “It had plenty of control and it was easy to hit lots of spin but I didn’t get enough power from it and I’d hoped for more.”

For those after more control in their game and feel at the net then this is the racket for you.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

On first impressions the gun metal grey look works well and makes a nice change from the shelves of bright rackets out there.

Howard and Jenny tested this racket and were both pleasantly surprised with the amount of power it generated combined with the control and feel it produced too. It felt like a very solid and reliable racket that was a good all-round performance frame.

In reality it felt lighter than its 315g unstrung weight, which is probably down to the head light balance. It comes in as one of the cheapest rackets in the advanced category, with an attractive price label of £120. If you’ve never tried the MANTIS 315 PS, give it a go!

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

Pacific is not necessarily a premium brand in the market but they do have an ATP player using one of their range and that is the charismatic Cypriot, Marcos Baghdatis.

The new technological concept Pacific have brought to the BXT X Fast Pro is a strategically constructed 'rounder' shaft/throat region, which has allowed the racket upon instant impact with the ball to remain more rigid and stable allowing maximum energy return to the ball.

Simplistically, it has provided more power to your shots which Jem agreed with when he tested it out. He said: “I felt it helped with my groundstrokes in particular as the large sweet spot made hitting powerful groundstrokes easier.”

Jenny tested it out too and agreed in terms of the power that came from the racket but she found it a little too head heavy at 310g and a lack of feel, particularly at the net. The appearance of the racket however is very sharp with the combination of the bright orange, black and silver colours.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Prince TeXtreme Tour 95http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-prince-textreme-tour-95
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-prince-textreme-tour-95The Prince TeXtreme Tour 95 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for advanced players, and it will help those craving for more firepower.

Prince has fluctuated in terms of popularity over the years but it certainly produces solid rackets. This certainly applies to the Prince Textreme Tour 95 according to the testers as this racket got a rather positive crit.

At 320g it is towards the heavy end of the spectrum of the advanced rackets but Elliot thought it didn’t feel that weight and instead had a very solid feel. He said, “Despite a thin frame, it actually felt quite chunky and the 320g weight offered lots of power to my game.”

The green and black appearance went down well too.

For those looking for a little more power in their game this racket is certainly worth a go. Elliot added: “Having always liked Prince, there was nothing particularly surprising or peculiar about the racket – it plays like my old Prince Hornet!”

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Pro Kennex KiQ+Tourhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-pro-kennex-kiqtour
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-pro-kennex-kiqtourThe Pro Kennex KiQ+Tour was part of tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for advanced players and it can help those who suffer from tennis elbow.

The super skinny 19mm beam certainly is a notable feature of the Pro Kennex Ki Q+ Tour as this lighter version weighing 300g offers all the benefits of the midplus. Its concept is to provide easier playability and greater manoeuvrability for the advanced player and improving junior player.

The test results brought back some interesting reading as the thin beam and long frame didn’t appear to please the testers. “The thin beam made the racket feel slightly flimsy and I found it difficult to control the ball, therefore the length of my shots were impacted,” said Jem. He did however note increased spin particularly on his second serves thanks to the 16 x 19 string pattern.

A final interesting characteristic to this racket was the Kinetic technology that rattles inside the frame which has been designed specifically to help those who suffer with tennis elbow.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

In the advanced stakes Tecnifibre is currently proving popular amongst the ATP players Daniil Medvedev and Donald Young, as well as female rising star Daria Kataskina.

The T-Fight 300, weighing a solid 300g, sports the colours of the French flag resembling the origins of the manufacturer with its bright blue, red and white appearance bringing a slightly unique touch to the 3-series range.

Our testers for this racket, Howard and Elliot, were impressed with the sheer power it produced on each strike of the ball, and in Howard’s case, specifically on his groundstrokes. He said: “There is a huge amount of power from this racket; the ball flies off the strings which I really like.”

Elliot was after more spin to add a more prominent element of control as he felt he had to work hard to generate the spin he wanted.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Volkl VSense V1 Prohttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-volkl-vsense-v1-pro
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-volkl-vsense-v1-proThe Volkl VSense V1 Pro was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for advaanced players and it helps with power and control.

The shape of the racket was an element that stood out to our testers immediately. At a standard advanced level head size of 99.5 square inches, the look was simple and stylish but had a slightly interesting or peculiar shape that was best described by Howard as ‘a bit of an egg’.

Despite being thrown off slightly by the appearance of the racket both Elliot and Howard were rather impressed by it. It balanced power and control very well and this solid racket performed at the back of the court as well as at the net generating sharp, crisp volleys. “The racket felt stable through contact and gave me confidence to swing fast on each ball,” said Elliot.

The combination of power, control and feel would suit an all-round player well.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

A Wilson racket more often than not looks the part and this aspect certainly impressed our testers with the distinct black and red colour combination proving to be stylish and striking.

Before even picking up the Wilson Pro Staff 97 a weight of 315g was inevitably going to provide some strong power levels on the court.

The most common feedback from Jem and Elliot was in regards to the ‘sweet spot’. We all wish to hit the ball powerfully time after time from any part of the strings but if you’re off centre with this racket it was rather unforgiving. Jem was pleasantly surprised by the level of power he generated when he connected with the sweet spot which Elliot certainly agreed with.

The amount of spin the racket generated was impressive to the two testers from both the back of the court and the net allowing solid control and feel.

This racket is certainly a very solid choice for an advanced player who would like an extra bite of power in their game but are quite accurate in their playing ability and doesn’t hit off centre all too often – maybe for a keen net player.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Yonex VCore SV95http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-yonex-vcore-sv95
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/05/12/racket-review-yonex-vcore-sv95The Yonex VCore SV95 was included in tennishead's 2017 racket reviews for advanced players and it's not suited to those seeking extra pop on their shots.

At 95 square inches the head size of the Yonex VCore SV95 is at the smaller end of our advanced rackets. The vibrant red and black look was a positive element from our testers.

Unfortunately, the testers couldn’t pull off a Stan Wawrinka ripper of a backhand with the VCore SV95 with it providing just an average amount of power and a lack of spin. Elliot said: “I really struggled to generate any spin with this racket, no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t generate any speed.”

It ranked better at the net as the narrow beam provided greater control but the lack of feel from the back of the court and the general stiffness of the racket left the testers less than impressed.

Tennishead's 2017 advanced racket reviews were published in the April edition of the tennishead digital magazine. Download the tennishead magazine app for free to read the reviews in full.

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]]>Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100HEAD launches MxG rangehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/04/27/head-launches-mxg-range
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/04/27/head-launches-mxg-range"The greatest conflict in tennis rackets is power and control because so far it has only been either there is power OR control. For power rackets we have the big frames and for precision we normally have a smaller tour racket,” said Ottmar Barbian, HEAD Vice-President, Racket Sports Division.

HEAD claims to have solved the conflict by taking a look at the materials used in racket construction. They have been using Graphene (200 times stronger than steel) since 2013. Now, they have turned to magnesium to revolutionise the racket construction.

By using magnesium in the bridge of the tennis racket, the technicians at HEAD have been able to capitalise on its unique properties.

There are two models in the range – the MxG3 and the MxG5. The MxG3 is aimed at tour-level or advanced players while the MxG5, with its larger head size and lighter weight, is aimed at club players.

To find out more about the new HEAD MxG range - read the feature in full by downloading the new April issue of tennishead magazine for free on your Apple, Android or Amazon device.

]]>Thu, 27 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0100Playbrave goes on tourhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/03/16/playbrave-goes-on-tour
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/03/16/playbrave-goes-on-tourBritish brand PlayBrave has a reputation for producing quality kit made from the finest materials, and its latest collection is no different.

Made from quality, lightweight materials, the PlayBrave Tour collection is built for performance. The team even went on tour to Cornwall for the photoshoot at Crantock Bay, near Newquay. The moisture wicking Tour Technical Tee (£39) is ultra lightweight with four-way stretch and breathability, while the soft Tour Gilet (£55) is made from 92% cotton with 8% elastane for added comfort.

“The polos, t-shirts, shorts and skorts are extremely lightweight compared with our current collection,” explains PlayBrave founder Simon Dowell. “It’s a different look for the brand – a modern twist on a classic look.”

]]>Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000ASICS Gel Resolution 7http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/03/03/asics-gel-resolution-7
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/03/03/asics-gel-resolution-7“The great thing about my job is you are able to help all kinds of athletes perform better or just enjoy their sports by offering better footwear,” says Rene Zandbergen, Senior Merchandise Manager at ASICS.

With a background in biomechanics and physiology, Zandbergen joined the Japanese company 16 years ago. With a strong running heritage, the brand prides itself on technology, innovation and quality and that is no more evident than in the latest iteration of the ASICS Gel Resolution.

Aimed at baseliners, the Resolution is the premium shoe in the ASICS stability range.

“The baseliner needs stability in the midfoot area and needs to turn quickly from left to right,” explains Rene. “We have improved stability at the lateral forefoot because we have learned from our players that the outer edge needed more stability. When you are going from left to right you can imagine that a lot of power is going into the shoe so a lot of weight distribution so then the fit is very important in that area.”

Another development on previous iterations of the Resolution are the Duomax™ Support system built into the midsole, as well as improved Gel cushioning in both the rearfoot and the forefoot.

“It’s a long list of technologies, that’s why it’s the King of Stability and it’s the most important shoe in our stability segment,” says Zandbergen. “In the UK and all over Europe it is one of our best selling shoes.”

]]>Fri, 03 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000Ellesse returns to its rootshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/02/15/ellesse-returns-to-its-roots
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/02/15/ellesse-returns-to-its-rootsFounded in 1959 by charismatic Italian tailor Leonardo Servadio, who named the company after his initials, ellesse started life as a ski brand but branched out into tennis in the 1970s.

Blurring the boundaries between tennis and fashion, ellesse famously sponsored the Mutua Madrid Open and employed professional models as ball boys and ball girls, collaborating with Parisian fashion house Surface to Air to design the outfits.

Where once Evert and Becker played in ellesse gear, now Monica Puig and Feliciano Lopez wear the iconic semi-palla logo, which combines the tips of a pair of skis with a cross section of a tennis ball in a nod to the brand’s heritage.

Puig was memorably wearing ellesse as she won an historic Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro last summer. Puig’s victory over Angelique Kerber saw her become the first woman to win a medal for Puerto Rico, and she did it wearing a specially designed dress in the red, white and blue of her homeland.

“Once I found out that I was going to be part of the Olympic team, I immediately called ellesse and said, ‘we have to do something special for the Olympics,’ and the result was this famous dress,” said Puig. “When I put on the uniform of Puerto Rico and I go out to a competition where I’m representing my island, I need to rise to the occasion and play my best tennis.”

While Puig’s one-off Olympic dress is not for sale, the brand’s new Focus range is now available to buy online. It’s a collection of simple but stylish designs brought to life by bold colours - classic items that you would instantly attribute to ellesse, even without seeing that famous logo.

]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000David Goffin's shoe of choice: The Court FFhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/01/17/david-goffins-shoe-of-choice-the-court-ff
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/01/17/david-goffins-shoe-of-choice-the-court-ffWhen it comes to shoes, ASICS has built an enviable reputation for producing shoes for a number of sports, including running and tennis.

In January 2017, at the Australian Open, David Goffin, World No.11 is wearing the new ASICS Court FF. Known for his speed around the court, the Belgian needs a shoe that can support his game style. The Court FF has a newly designed last (arguably the soul of a shoe, a last is the mould that creates the three dimensional shape), inspired by a running last with a higher toe spring to help a player get into the forefoot position and move around the court faster.

The 'FF' stands for FlyteFoam - a unique midsole material with reinforced fibres which means the shoe is 55% lighter than industry standard midsole materials. Those clever people at ASICS have incorporated this, originally used in a running shoe, into this tennis shoe so players like David Goffin can be confident they can achieve maximum speed while still benefitting from full support.

And for all its technological properties, the Court FF is comfortable, owing to the introduction of a full mesh mono sock, which gives a snug fit as well as reinforcement construction for instep support.

Goffin, 26, will be looking to improve on his 2016 performance at the Australian Open where Roger Federer defeated him in the fourth round. But off the back of the best year of his career, reaching a career high ranking in 2016, Goffin is well placed to get 2017 off to a flying start with the help of his new ASICS shoes.

The Court FF is available, with an all court outsole, from mid January, price £145. ASICS.com

]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000Serena and Kei's not so secret weaponshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/01/13/serena-and-keis-not-so-secret-weapons
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/01/13/serena-and-keis-not-so-secret-weaponsAccording to the company’s Global Marketing Director, Kyle Schlegel, Countervail is proven to help players on three levels. Firstly it reduces vibration, secondly it reduces fatigue and as a result of those two, Countervail enables players to maintain more control during long matches.

Milos Raonic was the first Wilson player to use a racket with the technology, starting at the beginning of 2016. Schlegel says the world No.3 started playing with it three days before last year’s Australian Open, where he reached the semi-finals and went on to have his best season ever.

“We were thrilled with Milos’ season,” said Schlegel, “but we also wanted to understand from a data standpoint what was really happening with Countervail.” So the team set about working with the University of Minnesota kinesiology department, wiring up university team players and gathering data.

So what did they find? According to Schlegel, three significant percentages: 40, 30 and 10.

Players experienced 40% more control when hitting with Countervail. They hit 40% more balls close to targets than when they did not have Countervail. Players experienced 30% less vibration when playing with Countervail and that led to players feeling 10% less fatigued later in their training session.

“Think about how much difference it would make, later in a match for you to feel 10% more energy than your opponent,” said Schlegel, “and be able to feel confident that you are going to be able to hit the ball 40% more often to where you want it, when you want to.”

Perhaps it will be these margins that will assist to Serena Williams sand Kei Nishikori with their Australian Open campaigns this year.

At a presentation at Melbourne Park on Thursday the respective World No.2 and No.5, accompanied by Australian youngsters and Grand Slam debutantes Jaimee Fourlis and Destanee Aiava, talked about what the technology means to them.

Serena is playing for the first time with the Wilson Blade SW 104 Autograph racket. “I think with Countervail in particular it’s all about the recovery and I do have some long matches and I did not feel like my body was going to break,” she said. “I wish I had started Countervail last year. I tried it, then I was like ‘I don't know’, then I tried it again and I just fell in love with it.”

The 22-time Grand Slam Champion says she can remember her first racket. “It was a blue Wilson Profile,” she recalled. “I have kept all the rackets that I have won my Grand Slams with. I know my dad still has my Profile. Venus had the gold. I had the blue.”

“I really don’t know who gave me my first racket, I assume it was my dad,” she added.

Flanked on either side by teenagers Fourlis and Aiava, as she spoke, Williams said she was pleased to be a role model for players.

“It’s a great feeling, you know my whole life, I just wanted to play tennis and I never thought about anything else that would come with it but then people like Destanee wanted to start because they have been watching me and that makes me feel really great. Influencing people is really what this role is about,” she said.

Aiava, who is the first player born this millennium to play in a major event and was only five years old when she first watched Serena said: “This is one of the best days of my life. I’ve had a lot of fun today, hitting against Serena and hopefully there will be more opportunities like this in the future."

The Australian teenagers, both with wildcards for the Open will be hoping, along with their idols, that the technology in their rackets will deliver what the data tests demonstrated.

Countervail technology is now available around the world in the Wilson Blade and Burn rackets.

]]>Fri, 13 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000Precious gemshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/01/12/precious-gems
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2017/01/12/precious-gemsWorld No.3 Milos Raonic will be wearing green and blue for the first Grand Slam of the year, teaming a classic pair of navy shorts with the aptly named Yarra Crew in vivid jade.

Named after the river that runs through Melbourne, the collection also features the Yarra Tank in jewel, which will be worn by British No.2 Heather Watson and American Nicole Gibbs.

All three athletes will be wearing the New Balance 996v3, featuring the first ever knit, nylon-infused upper; an innovative, form-fitting fabric design that is heat-fused for strength and durability. The v3 also includes a newly designed PROBANK to improve lateral stability.

Magnetic therapy is believed to offer a wide range of benefits such as reduced pain, increased mobility and improved performance. The scientists at Trion:Z claim the bracelets can increase blood flow and oxygen to all areas of the body, producing higher levels of white blood cells which have an anti-inflammatory properties.

Testing on patients with osteoarthritis showed a 24.5% decrease in pain, 21% decrease in stiffness and 15.3% ease in physical function of the joints.

Available in a range of colours with a brushed stainless steel clasp, it looks pretty cool, too.

For your chance to win one of five Trion:Z Zen loop bracelets,simply answer the question below by filling in the form on the right hand side of this page.

Closing date for entries is January 12. No cash alternative will be provided. Tennishead terms and conditions apply.

This competition is no longer open for entries. The winner has been drawn from all the correct entries received by the closing date.

]]>Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000Christmas gift guidehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/18/christmas-gift-guide
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/18/christmas-gift-guideTennishead's Christmas gift guide is here to help you fill the stockings of the tennis nuts in your life, or even drop a few hints for Santa yourself...

Stocking fillers

Wilson VibraFun dampeners - £5
At just £5 for a pack of two, the Wilson Vibra Fun dampeners are an ideal stocking filler, or perhaps for a Secret Santa gift. These fun little brightly-coloured dampeners are the perfect gift for the tennis nut in your life.

RS All Court Black Edition - £6
Robin Soderling has not been seen on tour since after failing to recover from a bout of mononucleosis in 2011. However, the two-time French Open runner-up has not been idle in his absence, designing and developing a new range of premium tennis balls, grips and strings. After months of research and testing in labs and on the tennis court, the RS All Court Black Edition is the official ball for two ATP 250 tournaments.

2UNDR – From £19.99
OK, so underwear isn’t exactly the most original Christmas gift, but 2UNDR’s men’s performance underwear aren’t your bog standard cotton undies. With a high-performance thermal reduction fabric and an athletic cut for a compression-like feel, these trunks are as high-tech as your racket.

Festive treats

Brooks Rebound Racer – from £23Forget socks this Christmas, this sports bra is the perfect Christmas gift for active mums, partners, sisters and friends. Featuring moulded cups to maintain shape and support and available in a range of colours and sizes 30B to 38DD, the Rebound Racer will give women of all sizes a lift on court.

Zsig Tennis Ball Backpack - £29.99
While these bags are designed for kids, we know a few adults who would love Zsig’s eyecatching tennis ball backpacks. As well as compartments for valuables, keys and a mobile phone, these bags have room for your child’s hoodie, water bottle and lunch. Or for the big kids, it’ll hold everything that goes in a handbag and more.

30Fifteen Sue Dress - £59
With its low V back, 30Fifteen's Sue dress is designed especially for women with broad shoulders and small hips. Four sleek pleats in the skirt flatter the buttocks, while the coloured detail draws attention to the stomach. Complete with built-in shelf bra and matching ball shorts, the Sue dress comes in a range of colours.

Babolat POP - £70Wearable technology is the must-have addition to your kit bag for 2017, and the Babolat POP wristband is one of the best ways to access your performance data. Weighing just 10g, it pairs with your Android or Apple device and can be used with any racket, giving you instant feedback.

QLIPP smart tennis sensor - £80So small it won’t take up much room under the Christmas tree, but Qlipp could help make big changes to your game. Weighing in at just 8g, it clips to your strings like a dampener and measures spin, speed and sweet spot accuracy of every shot.

Christmas crackers

TopspinPro - £90.83
What better to find under the Christmas tree than a gift that will help you master a lifelong skill? A training aid that helps beginners and improvers master topspin by promoting muscle memory, TopspinPro claims to be able to help players learn the basics in just two minutes.

ASICS Gel Resolution 6 shoes - £115ASICS is a company that seriously knows its tennis. With comfort, support and stability in equal measure, the Gel Resolution 6 is ideal for baseline warriors and is the footwear of choice of British No.1 Johanna Konta and Frenchman Gael Monfils.

MANTIS Pro 295 II racket - £149.99
Voted best value in tennishead’s 2016 intermediate racket reviews, the Mantis Pro 295 II is a great all round racket. What's more, Santa will look even more generous now as Mantis are giving away a free six-racket thermo bag with selected frames, including this one.

PIQ smart tennis sensor - £154
OK, so simply wearing a wristband won’t turn you into Rafael Nadal overnight, but the PIQ advanced tennis sensor offers real-time feedback to analyse your game. The LED display offers instant service speed at the touch of a button, while the smart sensor tracks playing time and records your strokes. The PIQ Robot nano computer can also be used for other sports such as golf and skiing.

]]>Fri, 18 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000Dress to impresshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/dress-to-impress
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/dress-to-impressThe brainchilld of Emily Tonkin, a British designer based in Calfornia, 30Fifteen offers a range of stylish high performance kit exclusively for women.

Designed to be comfortable, stylish and flattering, each style in the collection is designed with a specific body type in mind. So whether slender, petite or curvy, there's a dress to suit every type of figure.

Alethia Dress

The most luxurious tennis dress in the 30Fifteen collection has sweat and odour absorbent technologies, and a simple yet elegant cut to allow you to focus on your winning game.

Designed to flatter women with narrower hips, the detail lengthens the waist line and the high neck line offers additional coverage.

Available in three colours with a built-in shelf bra, the dress comes with matching ball shorts. The moisture-wicking material absorbs sweat and odour and flat seams prevent chafing.

With its low V back, the Sue dress is designed especially for women with broad shoulders and small hips. Four sleek pleats in the skirt flatter the buttocks, while the coloured detail draws attention to the stomach.

Like the Alethia dress, the Sue dress is fitted with a built-in shelf bra and matching ball shorts with moisture-wicking material.

And if whites aren't your thing, the Sue dress comes in black with blue and pink stripes across the midriff.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000On court supporthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/on-court-support
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/on-court-supportFor women, wearing a correctly-fitting sports bra on court is every bit as important as a suitable racket or comfortable tennis shoe. But a survey conducted in 2010 found that only 42 per cent of women wear a sports bra.

Forget socks this Christmas, the Rebound Racer is the perfect Christmas gift for active mums, partners, sisters and friends.

Part of Brooks' "Control" collection, the innovative Rebound Racer features moulded cups with limited stretch to maintain shape and support, while powermesh zones on the back offer increased ventilation.

A soft-padded keyhole back closure provides proper fit and support, while front adjustable straps offer a custom fit on the move.

Available in a range of colours and sizes 30B to 38DD, the Brooks Rebound Racer will give women of all sizes a lift on court.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000Give your racket a boosthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/give-your-racket-a-boost
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/give-your-racket-a-boostWith a real sense of fun, these brightly-coloured Wilson vibration dampeners are the perfect Christmas gift for the tennis nut in your life.

While dampeners do not prevent injury, they do reduce string vibrations to create less noise on impact. These vibration dampeners are best placed by the throat, beneath the final cross string.

At just £5 RRP for a pack of two, the Wilson Vibra Fun Dampeners are the ideal stocking filler, or perhaps for a Secret Santa gift. Choose from the glitter hearts, flames, clover, or ying and yang. The Bowl o' Fun (RRP £114.80) contains 75 vibration dampeners.

And of course, if you're feeling really generous, you could always treat them to a racket instead...

The app provides unique insight to tennis players of all levels, enabling you to monitor your progress and compare your game with others in the Babolat community.

It’s basically like having your own personal tennis coach at your fingertips.

What makes the PIQ Robot different to other smart tennis sensors is that it can be used for other sports. Remove the smart chip from your wristband and fix it to your glove for stroke analysis and as a range finder on the golf course, or to your ski boot to analyse your technique on the ski slopes.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000Qlipp and gohttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/qlipp-and-go
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/qlipp-and-goUsing QLIPP’s advanced wearable tracking technology to measure spin, speed and sweet spot accuracy of each shot, you can enjoy instant analysis of your game after every session.

It transfers all the data to your smartphone in real time so you can get immediate insights on your strokes. What’s more, it can even team wirelessly with your smartphone to shoot video.

There are dozens of smart tennis sensors on the market, but weighing just 8g, it is one of the lightest. It fits any racket, which means it won’t become obsolete if you buy a new frame. Its twist-and-lock design enables you to fix it to your strings in less time than it takes to lace your tennis shoes.

What’s more, it’s currently available to tennishead readers for just £80 ($99). For your exclusive discount, enter the coupon code “tennishead” at the checkout.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000Games, sets and morehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/games-sets-and-more
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/games-sets-and-moreTake a look at Zsig's website for loads of cool gift ideas for everyone from tennis tots to fitness fanatics. Here are a few items that took our fancy...

Tennis Ball Backpack £29.99

While these are admittedly designed for kids, we know a few adults who would love these super-cool tennis ball backpacks. Fun and functional, these rucksacks hold their shape thanks to a solid felt shell which has a lined waterproof interior and padded back. With a zipped pocked for valuables, a keyring clip, pen holders and a mobile phone compartment, it has room for your child’s hoodie, water bottle and lunch. Or for the big kids, it’ll hold everything that goes in a handbag and more.

Forget toys that will probably be out of favour by Boxing Day, this is a gift that will bring hours of entertainment for the whole family. At 184cm in length and 66cm in height, this little Zsignet is so easy to put up and carry around and comes with its own carry bag; perfect the garden or the beach.

Complete with two 17 inch Mini Tennis rackets and two soft foam balls, if you are tempted to hold your own Championships in the living room on Christmas Day, make sure you remove any breakables first!

If you’ve already got one eye on your New Year’s Resolutions, Zsig’s Fitness Ball Chair (right) is superb value for money – a desk chair and exercise ball in one. Placed within the frame of the chair, the ball exercises your core and ensures that your spine is in its optimum position while seated. If you spend most of your day chained to a desk, this is the ideal desk chair. Junior version also available.

If you’ve got a budding Andy Murray or Johanna Konta in the family, it’s never too early to get them out on court. Suitable for children over the age of five, Zsig’s Red Stage 21 inch Mini Tennis racket comes with a blue headcover and three Mini Tennis Balls (one foam, two SLOcoach Big Red).

Just think – this could be the Christmas gift that inspires a lifelong love of tennis.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000If the shoe fitshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/if-the-shoe-fits
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/if-the-shoe-fitsIf you have a serious tennis player in your life, then they will be very impressed, not to mention very grateful, if you give them a new pair of tennis shoes for Christmas. Because the ASICS Gel Resolution is not any old shoe, but one made by a company that seriously knows its tennis kit.

Currently in its sixth edition, the Resolution has become a firm favourite since its launch and the current version is the lightest update on the classic shoe.

If you know someone who plays a lot of tennis, probably hangs around the baseline and runs every ball down, they will love this shoe. Not only is it comfortable, thanks to the Gel cushioning, but it also offers stability and support, with its FluidRide midsole, useful for side-to-side movements. It is also durable, so your gift is likely to still be going, even when the weather warms up.

The Asics Gel Resolution is a tennis shoe for those in the know. ASICS make great running shoes and their tennis shoes are just as good. But don't just take our word for it; the ASICS Gel Resolution is the choice of several top players including Britain’s Johanna Konta – currently ranked No.10 in the world and Frenchman Gael Monfils.

The Gel Resolution 6 is available in a selection of different outsoles, and can be worn for all clay, omni court and hard court games. The herringbone outsole of the all clay model ensures grip on both gravel and clay courts; a ‘stippled’ outsole with pivot points is ideal for the artificial grass of omni courts; and the hard court outsole provides excellent handling on concrete and indoor surfaces.

The ASICS Gel Resolution is a top performing tennis shoe and it is the perfect gift for the serious tennis player. Buy with confidence, because not only is it made with loads of technical knowhow, it looks pretty cool too.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000Best of Britishhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/best-of-british
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/best-of-britishIf you know someone who loves their tennis and likes to buy British, then Mantis have a range of rackets that might suit.

It might not be the best known brand, but since they first hit the market in 2011, Mantis rackets have continued to surprise our testers in the annual tennishead racket reviews.

We think Santa would be very popular if he delivered one of these rackets - boasting quality materials, the latest technology and British entrepreneurship.

We've picked out two rackets that we think might tempt you; the Mantis Pro 295 II - targeted at more experienced players - won an award in our 2016 racket reviews, while the Xenon 265 is ideal for a beginner or youngster ready for their first adult racket - but you can check out the full range on the Mantis website.

MANTIS Pro 295 II Tennis Racket - £149.99

Voted best value in tennishead’s 2016 intermediate racket reviews, the Mantis Pro 295 II is a great all round racket. The frame, which is developed for intermediate and advanced players who are looking for the perfect balance of power and control, was hugely popular with our testers.

At 295g unstrung and with a 325mm balance, the Pro 295 II is impressively manoeuvrable compared to similarly weighted rackets. The open 16 x 19 string pattern also allows for easy generation of spin.

We voted it great value, but Santa will look even more generous now as Mantis are giving away a free six-racket thermo bag with selected frames, including this one.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000Pop starhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/pop-star
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/17/pop-starThis year more players have enjoyed using technology to learn more about their game and the Babolat POP - a wristband containing a smart sensor - is one of the best ways to access your performance data.

Weighing just 10 grams, the POP pairs with your Android or Apple device and can be used with any tennis racket, giving you instant feedback from your training session.

Defining backhands, forehands and serves as well as measuring spin, power, rally lengths and number of shots per minute, the information can be compared with friends' data as well as being shared with the Babolat connected community - making the learning process both competitive and fun.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000New look for HEAD ATP ballhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/16/new-look-for-head-atp-ball
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/11/16/new-look-for-head-atp-ballWith attention on the final matches of the round robin stages of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, we've had our eyes on the HEAD ATP Ball.

The engineers at HEAD teamed up with ATP players like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to develop a ball that can withstand their power and skill.

The result was the official ball of the ATP World Tour and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals which went through rigorous testing to ensure that it can withstand the world’s hardest serves, forehands and backhands.

The HEAD ATP ball features the Encore Technology which makes the ball even more durable and SmartOptik Technology ensures improved visibility.

This year at the O2 the balls are available in the new premium packaging – strong molded plastic, that is shaped, easy to hold, wrapped in gold and the feature we love, is the flip top lid - the lid is hinged – so you won't lose the top in your kit bag – clever eh?

The pressured balls are suitable for all court surfaces, and they will certainly be put though their paces on the blue courts at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

If you’re headed to the O2 Arena in London’s Docklands you can pick up a tube at one of the HEAD stands, if not you will have to wait until January 2017 to get your hands on the new premium packaging. HEAD will also be announcing a special sweepstake for tennis fans in spring.

Situated close to the iconic Oxford Circus, the brand’s full range of products are showcased in the store, which covers three floors and 12,572 square feet.

New Balance opened its first flagship stores in Boston, Gangnam (South Korea), and Tokyo earlier this year with further stores to open in Milan and San Francisco this autumn.

“Our European flagship store, in London's internationally celebrated West End, testifies to the spirit of our company's ambition and vision,” said Fran Allen, New Balance vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“It is a magnificent showpiece that illuminates the brand's illustrious story through its highly-prized craftsmanship, advanced technical innovation and enduring performance.”

Along with world No.4 Milos Raonic, Heather Watson is a brand ambassador for New Balance. Raonic signed a lifetime deal with the Boston-based footwear and apparel company last year. New Balance also has a factory in Flimby, Cumbria.

Thiem and Watson were amongst 300 ambassadors worldwide playing with the prototype, branded only with the Babolat logo and the hashtag #ProjectOne7.

“What I like with this racket is that I can put the ball wherever I want, when I want,” says Thiem. “I can make my full swing and I can play really, really fast but still have a lot of control with it.

“I also like that when I hit the ball well, there is quite a special noise. Not only for me – the crowd can here it, too. For sure, my game has become better with this racket.”

James Lenton, Tennis Director at FC** Tennis Academy at Dukes Meadows in West London, was one of the testers who got his hands on the prototype back in March.

“It’s definitely a player’s racket,” Lenton told tennishead during the summer. “Anyone who is used to that more classical feel of racket will really enjoy using it. If you’re pushing the ball you are getting nothing out of the fame, you might as well use a Pure Drive or something that has a little bit more beef in the width of the frame.”

Babolat’s Hybrid Frame technology – with an added 1.5mm at 12, three and nine o’clock on the racket head, and an extra 1mm in the throat helps increase stability and precision. Meanwhile, the power comes from Babolat’s FSI Power technology, a new string pattern with enlarged space between the crosses.

“More tolerant, good control and more power – this is what our testers told us about their experience,” said Vincent Baptiste Closon, Tennis Rackets Marketing Director at Babolat.

“The overwhelmingly positive feedback confirms that this is the best answer for these aggressive modern players who want to take the lead on court and speed up their game with precision and power.

“And course they’re excited about the colour. The cosmetic is just bold, different.”

The Pure Strike range is designed for players who speed up the ball and need responsiveness to increase their precision. There are seven rackets in the series, ranging from the heaviest VS Tour at 320g to the Pure Strike Jr 26 weighing in at 250g.

]]>Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Djokovic's racket gets an upgradehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/09/26/djokovics-racket-gets-an-upgrade
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/09/26/djokovics-racket-gets-an-upgradeYou could argue that Novak Djokovic doesn’t need to make any improvements to his game, but his racket manufacturer has decided to upgrade his frame.

The latest HEAD Speed racket series now features the shock-absorbing Graphene Touch technology, which promises to deliver an unparalleled level of control without compromising on power.

The new-look frame also features a feather plumage pattern and a falcon head integrated into the Speed logo, a nod to Djokovic’s favourite animal.

The Speed Pro, MP, S and Lite models are on sale from September 23, while two more models will hit the shelves in January.

]]>Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Instilling a love of the gamehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/09/17/instilling-a-love-of-the-game
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/09/17/instilling-a-love-of-the-gameZsig has been the official supplier for Tennis Tots for eight years. The brainchild of tennis coach Matt McTurk, Tennis Tots is an educational tennis programme for children aged two to six held in church halls and community centres.

“Each class lasts 45 minutes and there are around 10 children per class depending on the size of the venue,” explains McTurk, who set up Tennis Tots in 2009 when his daughter Sofia was two. “The programme requires parental participation so a parent has to be there to work with their child.

“There are two stages to Tennis Tots. Stage 1 is for two to four year olds and then Stage 2 is for four to six year olds. There are differences between the two stages because developmentally the children are in different places. For the younger ones we move between activities relatively quickly because you can’t have them sitting still watching something for 10 minutes or doing something too repetitively because they will just get bored. The older ones work in pairs a little bit so they are learning about sharing and working as part of a team.”

While the six-year-olds will graduate from Tennis Tots knowing their forehands from their backhands and being able to hold a rally, for McTurk, Tennis Tots is more about developing confidence, social skills and hand-eye co-ordination.

“It’s a non-competitive programme so we’re not playing points and matches with them were just giving them a really good solid introduction to tennis,” he explains. “We develop their hand-eye co-ordination, confidence, social skills and we’re also building in the educational elements into it too.

“That’s where Zsig come in. It’s fantastic equipment, colourful and child friendly. For example, we use Zsig’s multi-coloured Juggle Squares, which the kids absolutely love. We throw them in the air for them to catch– and we can use them for colour recognition. We also use numbered spots and alphabet spots.”

Other Zsig products that feature in Matt’s programme include a Zsig Mini Net, measuring just 1.8 metres. “If you have only got a small area you can throw in one of those nursery nets to fill a space and you can have a couple of kids working on those,” he says.

“I also love the Easy Catch Net and the Easy Catch Happy Faces are great - you can do lots of different games with them.”

Many of Tennis Tots' earliest participants have gone on to join tennis clubs and still play regularly, and for McTurk that is more important than producing the 2030 Wimbledon champion.

"These kids have gone onto a club they have been able to immediately play and rally and score so there are children who are still playing tennis," he says. "That’s the whole point – it’s about instilling a love of the game."

]]>Sat, 17 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Buying Britishhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/09/16/buying-british
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/09/16/buying-britishMANTIS Sports is a British company which makes tennis and squash kit. Set up in 2011, the company aims to produce the highest quality equipment at the most reasonable prices and its rackets regularly come up trumps in the tennishead racket reviews.

Mantis has a range of rackets, the stars of which are:

Pro 295 II

Back in 2013 this racket won our value for money award and this latest version is the second-generation upgrade of a racket aimed at players who like a reasonably light racket. The mark II version has a slightly different balance compared with the original, which has given it more power and swing weight. Priced at £150 it is not cheap, but with the MANTIS Custom Pallet Handle System which enables players to change both the grip size and shape, it is features like this, along with the playability that make it a racket worth considering if you are contemplating a change of weapon. “ A great all round racket” were the words of one of our testers in our 2016 reviews, who said that it gave him, “great power, good depth, nice weight of shot, great control and enough spin to keep the ball in”.

Aimed at players who know what they are doing around the court and like to play with a heavier racket that has a relatively thin frame, the MANTIS Pro 310 II shares the same values as other rackets in the MANTIS stable, combining great technology with a reasonable price. At £159.99 it is not cheap, but tennishead’s racket testers noted its solidity and stability and said that it felt great to play with. Add in its good looks, matt black, touches of green and a brown grip it is definitely worth going to a retailer to find one to test if you are unfamiliar with the brand.

MANTIS also offers a range of balls, strings, grips and bags. Less well known than some brands on the market - you are unlikely to see a Tour player using one- if you know a good racket when you feel one, then you will appreciate what this British company has to offer.

]]>Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Wilson launch Serena Autograph Rackethttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/08/27/wilson-launch-serena-autograph-racket
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/08/27/wilson-launch-serena-autograph-racketThe launch of the Blade Serena Williams (SW) 104 Autograph Racket in Australia in 2017 will be only the 16th time in the brand’s 102-year history and only the second time in the last 38 years that Wilson has celebrated an athlete with an Autograph racket.

“We are excited to celebrate Serena Williams as an athlete, a tennis icon, a partner, and a friend,” said Hans-Martin Reh, General Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “She is a game-changer in the truest sense. And her ability to rewrite tennis history and inspire a new generation of tennis players is invaluable to a sport we all are incredibly passionate about. The Wilson Autograph racket is the highest honour we as a brand can give an athlete and we are tremendously proud to recognise Serena in this way.”

The Blade SW 104 Autograph racket includes a new material called Countervail which was developed by Materials Sciences Corporation for NASA and uses a patented carbon fibre architecture, which when incorporated into the racket's construction means players have the feel of a traditional racket but get less vibration in the arm.

Additionally, the Blade SW 104 Autograph includes the brand’s "Parallel Drilling" technology, which ensures the racket’s grommet holes are parallel with the string bed. This expands the racket’s sweet spot size by up to 26 per cent, resulting in more power and a forgiving feel.

The racket features the patent-pending X2 Ergo Handle, which offers players a more optimal, personalised feel on the modern two-handed backhand. Wilson LABS developed this player-directed handle insert system to allow every athlete to customise an ergonomic handle shape to optimise their grip. The X2 Ergo Handle provides the ideal form for the top hand to dominate the two-handed backhand.

The 2017 Blade SW 104 Autograph has a simple design and according to the manufacturer has “a specially engineered high performance paint never used in the industry before called Black Velvet”. It is a matte black paint, so not only does it feel great to play with, it also looks cool. The electric green accents at the three and nine o’clock positions on the frame, Serena’s initials in gold and a red Wilson branded butt cap give it a striking look.

Serena Williams said: “I am just thrilled that players of all ages around the world will be able to play with a Wilson racket that bears my signature. This racket feels like me – it reflects my passion, perseverance and drive - and I hope it energises and encourages those that play with it to always chase their dreams.”

The Blade Serena Williams (SW) 104 Autograph racket will be available worldwide in January 2017 and we can't wait to get our hands on one.

]]>Sat, 27 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100Jack Sock for Presidenthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/08/16/jack-sock-for-president
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/08/16/jack-sock-for-presidentYou’d have to have been living under a rock to have missed the fact that there is a presidential election going on in the United States this year.

His racket sponsor Babolat spotted the opportunity, and have created a “Jack Sock for President” campaign complete with a website featuring teaser videos and free Super Official Campaign Kits (S.O.C.K) for US residents.

Following in the footsteps of former US Open champion and Babolat ambassador Andy Roddick, Sock is the figurehead for the new Stars and Stripes range, which includes a new paintjob for Babolat’s bestselling racket – the Babolat Pure Aero – and luggage range.

“I take a lot of pride in representing the States and especially this year at Davis Cup and the Olympics,” Sock told tennishead. “It’s been a lot of fun for me. I’ve had a lot of fun shooting the commercials and I feel like the fans really love it. It was a great idea by Babolat.”

]]>Tue, 16 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100Big Apple Stylehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/08/02/big-apple-style
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/08/02/big-apple-styleThe eye-catching adizero collection features a multi-faceted print inspired by the architecture and landscape of New York. Alexander Zverev, the youngest member of the top 50 will be wearing the men's adizero collection, while Ana Ivanovic, Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber will all be wearing the women's collection at Flushing Meadows.

“Each Grand Slam is unique, playing off the energy and vibrancy of its host city," said Lotta Jurica, Global Category designer at adidas Tennis. "We harness this energy in our collections for each tournament, refreshing our ranges to give them the geographical and seasonal relevance these great sporting moments deserve.

"The 2016 US Open adizero range is a great example of how a print inspired by the people, architecture and skyline of one of the most iconic cities in the world, can enable athletes to deliver equally bold performances when they step out onto its courts.”

“The US Open is an extremely special tournament to me, in one of my favourite cities, so it’s great to be able to bring a little piece of that onto the court with my adizero outfit," said Ana Ivanovic. "New York is notoriously humid in summer, but the cooling fabrics and technologies in my adidas dress are amazing and allow me to focus on my game."

Meanwhile, Dominic Thiem and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be wearing the men's Barricade collection in Slash Red and Tech Ink.

]]>Tue, 02 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Wilson Burn FST 99Shttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/07/07/racket-review-wilson-burn-fst-99s
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/07/07/racket-review-wilson-burn-fst-99sThe theory behind a stringing pattern as open as 18 x 17 is to help players create extra spin from the back of the court.

That was certainly the case when we tried this Burn FST 99S. FST stands for Fast Speed Technology.

There was enough power for Elliot and Adam, and the control was there too, but both said the frame lacked feel. “It felt a little ‘hollow’ at times,” Adam explained.

The Burn has octagonal frame geometry and head light balance. Top marks for design though. “Awesome,” said Adam.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

Both Sarah and Howard talked about how easy it was to generate power, with the former especially benefiting on serve, she revealed.

Both also said that control wasn’t too much of a problem but one of the more challenging elements was its weight. All in all, a solid reliable frame from the Japanese manufacturer that ticked all the boxes.

“It did appeal to me,” said Sarah, “but was maybe just a little too heavy for me.”

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

Once Elliot and Adam had got used to the slightly unusual head shape the biggest selling point was this frame's control, however.

With a small 96-square-inch head size you better be seeing the ball well to consistently find the sweetspot but when you do the control is second to none.

The heavy frame and small sweetspot then meant our testers thought this really was for the genuinely advanced players, and those who aren’t looking for extra power. “I wouldn't buy this unless I was competing regularly,” said Adam.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

]]>Tue, 05 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Tecnifibre Flash 300http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/07/04/racket-review-tecnifibre-flash-300
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/07/04/racket-review-tecnifibre-flash-300Tecnifibre – a French brand used by the likes of Janko Tipsarevic, Denis Istomin and Jeremy Chardy – has produced a meaty, relatively thick-beamed beast of a frame in the Flash 300.

Its width, that tops out at 25mm, meant our testers found it incredibly easy to generate big power so they could muscle the ball around the court.

Battering opponents into submission would be no problem at all then, but if you require a little bit of control while you're at it, you may come unstuck, warned our testers.

“The power was too much,” said Elliot. “I found it hard to generate enough spin to keep the ball in.” Sarah liked its “great power” but added that “if it’s not in the sweetspot I felt like it could go anywhere”. Not for the faint-hearted.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

All that added up to a tennis racket that left a smile on the faces of our testers Adam and Howard. The theme of the feedback was that this Pro Kennex club boasted easy power but crucially - especially when you’re under pressure in a big match - control from the back of the court.

The 16 x 19 string pattern also made it easy to generate spin, which Adam described as “confidence- inspiring”.

Howard was in agreement. “It has lovely control, easy-to-generate power and loads of spin. I barely made an error when I was hitting with this.”

Pro Kennex QI Tour 300 - voted BaselIne Beast in the

It’s pretty plain that you’ve found a racket that can help advanced players feel better about their games from the back of the court when the
kind of feedback testers give raves about power, control, feel and spin. Take a bow, QI Tour 300, king of the baseline battlers.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

]]>Sat, 02 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Prince Tour 100Thttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/07/01/racket-review-prince-tour-100t
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/07/01/racket-review-prince-tour-100tA racket brand that’s well represented on both the ATP and WTA tours, and well known for consistency of quality across its racket ranges.

Prince models are always eye-catching, and one of the standout elements of the feedback was the Tour 100T’s attractive design.

The other was its power, which particularly rocked Howard and Sarah’s worlds. “I thought the power was perfect – easy to generate,” said Howard. “And this frame had great control too. It’s real quality.”

Our man went on to explain that he felt it helped in three key areas of his game – his forehand, serve and volleys too. “Prince make great rackets. I like this a lot. It’s a good all-round racket.”

Sarah’s only criticism was that it felt a little rigid when she was hitting her one-handed backhands.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

]]>Fri, 01 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Pacific X Tour 97http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/30/racket-review-pacific-x-tour-97
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/30/racket-review-pacific-x-tour-97At 97-square-inches this frame was one of the smaller ones on test, and while that meant at times its sweetspot was hard to find consistently, the comfort on the ball was right up there with the best.

Not a particularly well-known brand in the UK, the testers were fairly unfamiliar with Pacific frames but that didn’t affect their appreciation of what the X Tour 97 had to offer.

Adam found “good spin levels and control on groundstrokes” which may well be a result of the open 16 x 20 stringing pattern.

Sarah’s favourite element was its overall power and its feel when hitting with slice. Another example of players being pleasantly surprised by a racket. It pays to try before you buy!

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

]]>Thu, 30 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Mantis Power 265-IIhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/29/racket-review-mantis-power-265-ii
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/29/racket-review-mantis-power-265-iiThe British racket and ball manufacturer has served up a bit of a treat here. Still in its infancy as a company compared to some of its older rivals, we got the feeling our testers hadn't come into contact with the brand that much before we thrust this Mantis Pro 310 into their hands.

Adam said he had never played with a Mantis before, but liked this particular racket which he said was a solid and stable choice.

Howard and Elliot went even further. “It feels better than some more well-known brands,” enthused Howard. “I didn’t know much about Mantis but it’s well worth testing their rackets,” he added.

Enough power, great control and fantastic feel too. What's not to love?

The slim 21mm beam, and the frame’s heavy, solid characteristics promoted some of the best feel we experienced. Every one of our testers commented on this racket’s feedback and the control on the ball it promoted. “Really enjoyable to hit with,” said Elliot.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

It is not easy finding a racket that’s aimed at the top end of the game for under 160 notes, but this Dunlop Force 98 came up trumps. Our tester Elliot said: “I wouldn’t pay top money for it but if it's cheap then it's a good option.” Well, not cheap exactly, but definitely good value for money.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

This 315g beast – the frame’s unstrung weight – and its fairly generous 100-square-inch racket face (for bats aimed at the more talented end of the market) means generating power will never be a problem.

In fact, that’s exactly what the testers found, but generally that seemed to be more of a negative than a positive. While this packed a punch, both Adam and Elliot felt its power at times was too hot to handle, with Adam describing it as “unpredictable”. Our testers loved the look though. “Very cool,” they agreed.

Babolat Pure Aero Tour - voted Best for Power in the 2016 tennishead advanced racket awards

First-strike tennis has become a key element of dominating rallies in this era, so players who compete regularly need the equipment to help them do that. The Pure Aero Tour certainly delivers in that area, but be sure to retain an element of control along the way.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

]]>Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100Joss Rae & Anna Smith's kit bag essentialshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/23/joss-rae-and-anna-smiths-kit-bag-essentials
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/23/joss-rae-and-anna-smiths-kit-bag-essentialsHow many rackets do you take on court? Anna: We both play with Babolat Pure Drive rackets. We normally take three or four with us on court.Joss: Most of the singles players travel with more but as doubles players our matches are generally shorter. I’ve had a few strings break but in the three years we’ve played together I’ve only smashed one racket.

Do you take spare shoes? Joss: We are lucky to have quite a few pairs of Mizuno shoes so we don’t have to wear them until they have holes in. If they are getting worn I will travel with a spare pair but normally I try and make sure the pair I am taking will last. A pair of shoes ￼normally lasts about four weeks – but if we are playing on clay maybe a little less because you are sliding.

What else is in your racket bag?Anna: Loads of string, spare grips, things like that. I also make sure I have spare ￼clothes like extra match tops. And I always have a change of socks, especially on clay. The clay stains horribly and it never washes out so you always end up with orange socks.

What drinks and snacks do you take on court? Anna: We normally have water, electrolyte drinks and some gels that we take onto court. And bananas.Joss: I’ve only been able to eat bananas for about a year. I had a slight banana-phobia. I really like the taste and obviously they’re a great nutritious snack, but I could only eat them if Anna peeled them. But I’ve got over it now.Anna: I like mixed nuts too, but just as a snack off-court.

What about medical supplies? Anna: Normally the tournament doctors have all the medical supplies if we need.Joss: The tour doctors and physios are really good. We just travel with painkillers really. And sun cream. We’re normally quite good at putting sun cream on. But when we were in Melbourne this year it had been raining for a few days and on the day of our first match we had to warm up indoors and we didn’t think we were even going to get on court. It was still raining when we went back to the locker rooms, got showered and got some food and got changed and then we were told we had 30 minutes until our match started so we had to go and get warmed up and we had to speak to our coaches.Anna: We thought it was cloudy so we didn’t bother putting sun cream on. The match lasted two and a half hours and it was nearly 30°C. We got really burnt.Joss: I’ve never peeled like that in my life. It was really painful.

How organised are your racket bags? Joss: I have one side for my rackets and string and then my shoes and bands in the shoes compartment and then in the main compartment I have all my clothes and stuff. It is pretty well organised.Anna: We always share a room and our room is a bit of a mess but our actual tennis bag is normally quite well organised. Before we leave in the morning we have a routine where we check things about 20 times. If you have to get a 30-minute bus to the site if you forget something it’s a bit of a nightmare.

Do you have any lucky mascots? Joss: I have a bear called Pinky – he’s awesome. I got him for my first birthday. He used to be pink but now he’s brown but he’s probably the most well-travelled bear in the world. He is always in my hand luggage but I leave him in the hotel, I don’t take him on court. He’s our lucky mascot.Anna: We can get quite superstitious. When we won an ITF doubles title in France in April we had to eat at the same restaurant every night.

How important is it for you to wear a supportive sports bra?Anna: We are either in the gym or on the court, and whatever activity we are doing it is important to have the correct support. Movement in tennis is multidirectional with a lot of rotation, therefore it’s important that our kit gives us the support whilst on the move. We started wearing Brooks Moving Comfort sports bras about a year ago. They’re so comfortable and very supportive. I wouldn’t play without one.Joss: I really like the colourful ones for training though. I love the Uplift Crossback too.Anna: My go-to bra is the Rebound Racer – the bottom band is super soft and the straps are adjustable which provides me with a customised fit. During Wimbledon last year I wore the Uprise Crossback in white, because the dress code at Wimbledon is obviously really strict, even with underwear.

Are you surprised that many women on tour just wear crop tops rather than proper sports bras?Anna: You’re right, some girls just wear a crop top. Sports bras need to be thought about more, they are just as important as your footwear.

This powerhouse of a racerback sports bra has it all. An interior unicup gives support, shape, and complete modesty, while an interior front yoke prevents vertical breast movement. Powermesh zones on the back keep you cool, while adjustable straps and back closure enable the best fit and total control. Perfect for the demands of tennis.

]]>Thu, 23 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100Murray goes underground ahead of Wimbledonhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/22/murray-goes-underground-ahead-of-wimbledon
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/22/murray-goes-underground-ahead-of-wimbledonFresh from his historic fifth Aegon Championships title at Queen's Club on Sunday, Murray trained with his brother Jamie - the current doubles world No.1 - at a custom-made tennis court at the Postal Museum's Mail Rail Tunnels in London.

World No.2 Murray, who will get his Wimbledon campaign underway on Tuesday, will be hoping to repeat his 2013 run to the title at the All England Club.

"I'm doing all I can to prepare and be at my very best in order to be successful at Wimbledon," said Murray, who debuted the Under Armour kit and shoes he will be wearing at this year's Championships. "This underground training facility that Under Armour has created for Jamie and me really represents my intense focus and 'tunnel vision' approach to training, both on and off the court."

]]>Wed, 22 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100Racket Review: Head Graphene XT Prestige Prohttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/16/racket-review-head-graphene-xt-prestige-pro
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/16/racket-review-head-graphene-xt-prestige-proHead is a brand associated with high quality rackets with the likes of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic – to name but two – using their models on tour.

But would tennishead's finest like what they found? In a word, yes. At 315g, this fairly hefty frame didn't want for power generation and the 98-square-inch head size meant our ballstrikers could maintain control from all over the court when they needed to.

“There's plenty of power,” said Adam. “It’s a confidence-inspiring racket that also provides a good balance of control to rein in the power.”

Howard agreed. “It gives good control and spin and feels solid all round,” he said. “I like Head – they make great rackets.” A leading contender in this category.

Any racket that helps you feel more confident has to be a good thing and that’s exactly what our tester Adam felt when he picked up this Head model. Great power, a nice blend of control, and excellent feel mean the Graphene XT Prestige walks away with our most prestigious award.

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 3. For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

]]>Thu, 16 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100Erke hits British baselineshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/03/erke-hits-british-baselines
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/06/03/erke-hits-british-baselinesIf you are in the market for a new pair of tennis shoes, be sure to check out the new range from ERKE.

New to the UK, ERKE’s range of sports clothing and footwear blends eye-catching designs with the latest lightweight materials.

Founded in China in 2000, the brand has expanded rapidly across Asia and the likes of Tommy Robredo, Yanina Wickmayer have been spotted wearing the ERKE logo recently.

With an emphasis on research and development, ERKE has developed E-bound technology – a high-density memory material in the sole that provides exceptional cushioning to help reduce the level of impact on joints.

Featuring a mesh upper coated in Hot Melt EVA that makes the shoe both breathable and waterproof, as well as a reinforced toe and protection for the top of the foot, it is the ideal combination of stability and durability.

]]>Fri, 03 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100Me and my Racket: Ivo Karlovichttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/05/26/me-and-my-racket-ivo-karlovic
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/05/26/me-and-my-racket-ivo-karlovicHow long have you been playing with the Radical?
Three years. Before this I played with a HEAD racket but I was using the Instinct. The old Instinct had a wider frame and it was a little bit more powerful. My racket now has a bit more control. I played with Babolat for a while but I came back to HEAD. I feel most comfortable with HEAD rackets.

At 6ft 11in, do you use a longer frame?
No, it’s a regular size. But the handle is a bit bigger. There is no number for my grip size – it was made especially for me. It’s huge. If there was a number I guess it is eight or nine.

How much have you experimented with your rackets in the past?
Not a lot in the past few years. I haven’t done any new stuff because I like it how it is and I haven't had a lot of injuries so I don’t want to change anything.

Compared with the rackets you played with when you started your career, have they changed very much?
Not really. For me, the only change was when I changed model from the Instinct to the Radical. I don’t know if they are any different from the rackets from the 90s.

How many rackets do you take with you on court?
Usually four or five.

What strings do you play with?
I play with Luxilon in the main and in the crosses I have natural gut. My rackets are strung at either 25kg or 24kg depending on conditions.

You don’t use a vibration dampener?
When I was younger I played with a vibration dampener but not any more. A lot of guys use one but it’s not for me.

Do you remember your first tennis racket?
It was a wooden racket – it was very heavy. After that I remember my dad bought me a Puma racket like Boris Becker was playing with - when I was little I really liked Becker so my dad bought one for me. It was a white racket with red. It was a used racket but I loved it like it was new. I still have it.

Do you keep many of your old rackets?
Mostly yes. I don’t have the one I hit the fastest serve with [in March 2011 Karlovic broke the world record for the fastest recorded serve - 156mph] because I had many rackets in my bag so I don’t know which one it was but I still have that collection of rackets. I give some rackets away to charity.

When did you last smash a racket?
Years ago. When I was younger I did it a lot more but I don’t think I have smashed any in the last five years. It is always satisfying when you smash a racket but I don’t do it anymore. It isn’t the racket’s fault – now I realise that – so I don’t crack them. ￼

]]>Thu, 26 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100Andy Murray's French Open kithttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/05/23/andy-murrays-french-open-kit
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/05/23/andy-murrays-french-open-kitIn the world's fashion capital, Paris, Murray will be wearing monochrome from head to toe when he steps out on court at Roland Garros this year.

Wearing a white Raid T-shirt and black Launch Stretch shorts, together with his bespoke Under Armour Clutchfit Pursuit shoes, Murray is one of the favourites to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires on June 5.

The world No.2 begins his French Open campaign against qualifier Radek Stepanek on Monday.

]]>Mon, 23 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100Blue sky thinkinghttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/05/05/blue-sky-thinking
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/05/05/blue-sky-thinkingMilos Raonic will be kitted up in blue for this year’s French Open as he looks to continue his impressive run of form in 2016

The Canadian returned to the top 10 this week following a strong start to the season despite struggling with an adductor injury. Raonic returns to Paris after missing last year's French Open to undergo foot surgery. He enjoyed his best performance in 2014 when he reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros.

Raonic has enjoyed a strong start to 2016. He started the season on a high, beating Roger Federer to win the title in Brisbane before reaching the Australian Open semi-finals. He lost to Novak Djokovic in the BNP Paribas Open final in Indian Wells, as well as quarter-final appearances in Miami and Monte Carlo.

At Roland Garros Raonic will be wearing the New Balance 996v2, a lightweight performance tennis shoe with PROBANK stability technology. He will be wearing the Tournament Crew in Pacific and white Tournament Shorts.

Raonic, who signed a lifetime deal with New Balance last summer, takes a keen interest in the brand.

“I do know pretty much every aspect of what goes on and how things are made and the whole process,” he said last year. “I have seen how they make shoes in the factory by hand there, what the whole process is - and I have actually been a part of some of the processes. I hope the person that got that shoe I made was happy!”

While traditional kinesiology tape is designed to lift the skin and take pressure off injured areas, the biomechanical Dynamic Tape, which can stretch to over twice its resting length, does more than simply alleviate pain.

The brainchild of leading Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapist Ryan Kendrick, who was part of former world No.4 Greg Rusedski’s team on his comeback from injury, Dynamic Tape supports and reduces load on injured body parts, while still allowing full range of movement.

“It has very strong resistance and recoil; It stretches a long way which allows us to use it like a bungee cord to provide a deceleration force, load absorption and assistance back the other way,” explains Kendrick.

While the tape has remarkable healing powers – it has also been proven to reduce bruising and swelling faster – it can also help improve technique and reduce the risk of injury.

“Research shows that we can get effects on hip adduction and internal rotation – Ana Ivanovic has worn it in this way,” says Kendrick. “These movements are considered to increase load on many structures in the leg.”

]]>Fri, 08 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0100A shoe to conquer allhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/03/17/a-shoe-to-conquer-all
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/03/17/a-shoe-to-conquer-all“Unstoppable, formidable and victorious in the face of even the most overwhelming odds.”

While we can’t guarantee that simply donning adidas’ limited edition shoe will turn you into a fearless warrior overnight, at least you’ll look ready for battle.

Inspired by one of history’s greatest commanders, Alexander the Great, the bright orange Barricade 2016 Alexander looks formidable from across the net, and its lightweight TPU mesh upper and durable sole makes it the ideal weapon of choice for all baseline warriors.

Watch out for the Barricade 2016 Hannibal and adizero Ubersonic Artemis coming later this year. adidas.com

]]>Thu, 17 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000Me and My Racket: Belinda Bencichttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/02/26/me-and-my-racket-belinda-bencic
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/02/26/me-and-my-racket-belinda-bencicDo you remember the first racket you ever played with?
I do. I remember playing with a very small racket – it was neon yellow and grey. I still have it at home. Soon after I started playing, my coach gave me a Yonex racket so all my career, since I was about eight years old, I’ve played with Yonex rackets.

Like fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka you’re now kitted out in Yonex after signing a head-to- toe kit deal with them this season.
I wore adidas for four years but now I’m back wearing Yonex. I’m really happy. I’ve been playing with Yonex rackets all my life and I wore Yonex clothing when I was younger so it’s kind of like deja-vu.

You play with the EZone DR. How well does it suit your game?
I’m really happy with it. I think I have adapted to it very well. It gives me good control and power and I cannot imagine playing with anything else.

What strings do you use?
I use Yonex (Polytour HS 125) strings in the mains and in the crosses I use natural gut.

What tension do you play with?
Tension depends on the tournament and the conditions but I usually play around 28 or 27kg.

And what grip size are you? Do you grip your own rackets?
Grip size 2. I generally put my own grips on my rackets but when I don’t have time – like if I have to warm up or get changed – then my dad can do it for me.

Are you interested in racket technology?
Of course I’m interested but I try not to think about it too much. When I get a racket I just try to play with it as well as I can. I’m not an expert in these things so I just concentrate on the tennis.

Have you ever smashed a racket?
I did but I felt so sorry about it afterwards because I know how much effort goes into producing a racket. Sometimes it’s very tough on the court when you are emotionally under pressure and you have to somehow get the anger out. Sometimes I hit the racket on the ground a little bit but it doesn’t break.

What do you do with your old rackets?
I keep some of them, but I give some of them to kids at the tennis school. I also sign some for sponsors but I always keep some. I kept the one I won Junior Wimbledon with – I keep them all in the garage.

]]>Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000Bjorn Borg: Out of This Worldhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/02/12/bjorn-borg-out-of-this-world
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/02/12/bjorn-borg-out-of-this-worldMars One, the astounding interplanetary project founded by Dutch entrepreneur Bas Lansdorp, plans to establish human life on Mars by the year 2026. To do so, Lansdorp has whittled down applications from all over the world to 100 candidates, each willing to leave everything behind in the name of science and the future of mankind to live the rest of their lives on the red planet.

The Mars One project was the inspiration for one of the zanier sportswear releases in recent times, as Bjorn Borg showcased its Spring-Summer 2016 collection on the opening night of Stockholm Fashion Week in August. Sharing space on the mock-up Martian desert stage with the silver-boots-and- shorts combinations, daring swimwear and nu-age gym gear on display were more familiar sights – a trim-fitting tennis dress, well-tailored all-white shorts, and headband after headband.

As a brand, Bjorn Borg is on its own mission to Mars. Founded in 1984, a year after the Swede officially announced his retirement at the age of just 26, the fashion label has evolved into an exciting brand that blurs the boundaries between sportswear and high fashion with a reputation for its loud-and-proud underwear. While Borg the man was a notoriously private enigma, Borg the brand is unapologetically funky.

Sport and fashion intersect for all manner of budgets and tastes; Bjorn Borg aims to inhabit that small pocket of fashion, function and fun – clothing designed to make you look and feel active and attractive. Underwear has been the mainstay during the brand’s return to prominence, prompting Bjorn Borg to launch in the UK in 2012. But in 2016, for the first time in its 31-year history, the collection has been built around its sportswear, with tennis sharing top billing alongside gym and running gear.

Tennis has always been an intrinsic part of the Bjorn Borg brand – given its founder, how could it not be – but this year, the Swedish design house believes it has made a breakthrough.

“I feel like we’re really starting to define what sports fashion means for Bjorn Borg,” said Lee. “My favourite piece has to be one-piece tennis suits. They’re really amazing. And also I really like the wool rib pieces.” The upcoming Bjorn Borg tennis collection celebrates the company’s heritage with a retro tennis inspiration interpreted in a modern style. Mesh detailing and glued seams add a touch of modern comfort to the women’s line, while retro sweaters, shorts and polos in innovative functional materials, detailed with tennis court line- inspired touches, are a recurring theme on the men’s side.

When circling the clay-coated catwalk in Stockholm, the clean whites were all the more striking against the more leftfield Mars-inspired designs taking their cues from the space race and dreams of interplanetary colonies of the 1970s and 1980s, yet without jarring. Perhaps, in part, that owes something to the man whose name adorns the models’ waistbands – after all, that was the era of Borg’s seven-year dominance of the tennis world before the Swede retired in 1983.

And it’s not just catwalk fodder. Bjorn Borg tennis gear can currently be seen on a select band of sponsored players, including Great Britain’s Tara Moore, David Rice, Harriet Dart, Ed Corrie, Dan Cox and Scott Clayton. And while they will not be wearing the leftfield stylings committed to the catwalk in Stockholm over the summer, the thread of Lee’s vision is ingrained in Bjorn Borg’s bold change in direction.

"My thought about Mars One is that this could be a step in the evolution of mankind,” he said. “It’s kind of epic. “We have shown the world how to train for Mars, and hope that our tribute can inspire to epic adventures. Fashion-interested explorers will be able to find our show collection in a limited edition as of January 19 next year.”

It may be one small step in comparison, but the thought of seeing Bjorn Borg on Centre Court again one day, if only in name, would be another frontier conquered by the Ice Man.

]]>Fri, 12 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000Radical thinkinghttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/01/05/radical-thinking
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2016/01/05/radical-thinkingWhen HEAD designed the first Radical back in the early 1990s, Andre Agassi was the man they had in mind. Brash, brilliant and with a style all of his own, the American was a marketeer’s dream, and HEAD’s gamble – signing Agassi while he dealt with a serious wrist injury and handing him their oversized black and yellow ‘bumblebee’ frame – paid off handsomely.

Little did they know then that Agassi would go on to be the oldest man to hold the world No.1 ranking, aged 33 in 2003 – and that his signature stick would remain at the top of the game for over a decade to come, in the hands of another player who has never been satisfied with simply running with the pack.

In Agassi’s wake, Andy Murray is now the face of the HEAD Radical, which has recently received its latest technological update with the introduction of Graphene XT, a new carbon configuration that makes the frame up to 30% stronger.

This strength allows HEAD’s engineers to redistribute the weight to the handle and tip of the frame, where it can have a greater influence on power and control, rather than around the typically weak throat, requiring less material to maintain the frame’s structural integrity.

The result, notable when Graphene was first introduced to the Radical in 2013, is a marked improvement in racket response and a rise in swingweight, the power-boosting force that the racket can impart on the ball at the point of impact, without a huge effect on manoeuvrability.

HEAD boasts that the energy transfer when striking a ball is as much as 10% better compared to older models. HEAD has released six different versions of the Radical, each with their own quirks. Grabbing the headlines is the introductionof ASP to a separate version of the flagship MP frame, the Radical MPA, offering players the chance to try out the same racket with stringbeds geared for power and spin or control.

At this point it may be worth noting that, in his first year with the original Radical, Agassi experimented with three different string patterns before settling on the rare 20x21 setup he stuck with for the vast majority of his career. But while he needed (and had) a small army of engineers in Austria awaiting his instructions, you can tinker with your own setup for the price of a string job.

Designed with the creative all-court player in mind, the Radical family has traditionally been billed as a responsive, control-oriented racket with ready access to power. The heavyweight Radical Pro, weighing in at 310g unstrung, will certainly have the power game covered, while the Rev Pro is the ideal racket for a junior wishing to make the jump to a Radical, retaining the headsize and beam width while stripping an extra 25g out of the standard MP frame and also featuring ASP.

The lighter S and Lite models, with their larger head sizes (102 sq.in compared to the Pro and MPA’s 98 sq.in) and thicker beams, are geared at ensuring the ball comes off the strings as you intended no matter your level. All six versions are compatible with Sony’s Smart Tennis Sensor, allowing you to affix the gyro to the buttcap and monitor your game stats on your phone, tablet or laptop, and are on sale now.

]]>Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000Me and My Racket: Kevin Andersonhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/12/07/me-and-my-racket-kevin-anderson
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/12/07/me-and-my-racket-kevin-andersonHow long have you been playing with Srixon? This is my second season. At the end of 2013 they approached me through my management team and I said I would be willing to try the racket out. It was one of those things where I liked it from the first time I hit with it. Changing rackets is never easy; throughout my career I’ve pretty much stuck with the same racket and even in college [Anderson played at the University of Illinois] I tried hitting with a couple and you can tell almost straight away if it’s something you can play with or not. I really like the racket, I feel like it adds quite a bit to my game. It is always a gamble to switch rackets because it is such a big change but fortunately it really worked out well for me.

The brand isn’t that well known outside of Asia. How much did you know about them?
They are quite big in golf and they also own Cleveland Golf as well. I know that the company is looking to expand and really make a push in tennis so it feels exciting to be part of something new as well, almost like the brand ambassador for men’s tennis. It’s not just about the racket; the relationship I’ve formed with the guys at Srixon has been great and the support they’ve given me has been terrific.

What do you look for in a racket?
Just something that feels comfortable. I think the best word to describe it would be ‘lively’. I want the ball to come off the racket but something I can still control at the same time. I’ve put quite a bit more weight on the racket, which has worked out well. I want something that works for my game; obviously my serve and my groundstrokes are my main shots, and I need a racket that assists those strokes. That's important. ￼￼￼￼

What strings and grip size do you use?
Right now, I’m using gut in the mains and synthetic in the crosses. My grips are 41⁄2. And, yes, I grip my rackets myself.

Do you remember your first racket?
I remember I had a white Yamaha racket when I was about six or seven years old. I remember that because I had never broken a string before and I was really keen to so I actually cut them myself and showed my dad that I broke a string and had it restrung. I don’t think I have it still; maybe my parents have it in their basement but I haven’t seen it in years.

Do you keep any of your old rackets for sentimental reasons?
Not really. I try to give them to different people to use or donate them to charity. I’ve kept a couple but I haven’t got hoards of rackets at home.

You’re a pretty cool character on court. How many rackets would you say you’ve smashed during your career? Unfortunately, I did smash a racket in Brisbane earlier this year. But I’ve been pretty good; I’ve only broken a couple in my career. I’m not someone who smashes up too many rackets

]]>Mon, 07 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000Babolat launches smart wristbandhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/10/22/babolat-launches-smart-wristband
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/10/22/babolat-launches-smart-wristbandNot content with developing the world's first connected racket, the Babolat Play, the French racket manufacturer has released a wristband that enables players to see their own performance data.

The new Babolat POP is a wearable device that pairs with your Android or Apple device and can be used with any tennis racket, giving you instant feedback from your training session.

Defining backhands, forehands and serves as well as measuring spin, power, rally lengths and number of shots per minute, the information can be compared with friends' data as well as being shared with the Babolat connected community.

“It’s great that it works with any racket,” said American No. 5 and former world No.17 Sam Querrey. “I can challenge my coach, my friends. Anyone that plays tennis could essentially use it.”

The Babolat POP hits the market in December 2015 and will be available on pre-sale from November 1. For more information visit babolatplay.com/pop.

]]>Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100Racket review: Yonex E-Zone Ai Litehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/10/13/racket-review-yonex-e-zone-ai-lite
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/10/13/racket-review-yonex-e-zone-ai-liteThe E-Zone Ai Lite sits somewhere between the improver and intermediate racket groups, so look at it as an ‘advanced’ improver racket perhaps best suited to those playing other sports and turning their hand to tennis, or a junior looking for their first full-size frame.

The frame is light but not the lightest, and not as powerful as some rackets in this range. The real payoff is the stability and swing speed – Yonex boasts that the Lite is the fastest racket through the air that they have ever produced, courtesy of its Trans-Weight System – while the OPS technology stabilises the frame by reducing the wobble on off-centre hits.

]]>Tue, 13 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100Racket review: Wilson Three BLXhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/10/07/racket-review-wilson-three-blx
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/10/07/racket-review-wilson-three-blxIf bad vibes have put you off your game, check out the Three. Wilson’s basalt-infused BLX frames siphon off unwanted vibrations to send the key feedback through to the player’s hand – good enough for Roger Federer and Serena Williams, it would seem – but this particular power-packed beast takes comfort a step further.

There’s also the triad throat design, which essentially adds an extra layer of buffering by introducing an extra ‘V’ between the handle and the hoop of the frame. All of this improves the feel of what would otherwise be a brute of a racket for baseliners seeking more accuracy.

]]>Wed, 07 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100Racket review: Volkl Super G 1http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/25/racket-review-volkl-super-g-1
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/25/racket-review-volkl-super-g-1Twinning the explosive power of its Organix cellulose-graphite construction with the sweet spot recoil of its distinctive free-floating Power Arm, the all-new Volkl Super G 1 was the most powerful racket among those tested – and that’s some feat, considering it was one of the lightest offerings in our review.

Nearly an inch longer than the standard 27-inch frames, the huge head makes framing a shot something of an achievement. Hitting the ball deep is a breeze, while injecting a little pace into your strokes is rewarded in spades if you still plan on packing a punch while protecting your arm.

FEATHERLIGHT AWARD

Volkl Super G 1

When it comes to the Super G 1, less is most certainly more – particularly in the power stakes. The unique Power Arm design simply catapults the ball out of the middle of the stringbed, and while the payoff is a dulled sense of feel, there is plenty of spin potential from that wide open string pattern. It looks mean. It plays mean. This featherweight packs a serious punch.

]]>Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0100Racket review: Tecnifibre T-Fight 255http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/23/racket-review-tecnifibre-t-fight-255
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/23/racket-review-tecnifibre-t-fight-255Billed as a racket ‘dedicated to young players’, the T-Fight 255 ticks a lot of boxes for any budding junior in the market for their first 27-inch frame.

Its Dynacore construction promises the perfect blend of flexibility and stability, so you get a sense of feel from a racket that ranks among the lightest we tested, while the Synergylink grommets play their part in shock absorption that can be crucial for those ramping up the court time during their formative years.

It’s not the most powerful racket out there but certainly holds its own for such a slimline frame, but this stick is all about control – and on that front, it delivers.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Tecnifibre T-Fight 255

The commitment to youth stretches as far as the price tag in the junior-friendly T-Fight, which does its best to leave money in the pockets of parents and guardians already forking out for coaching, tournament fees and travel. A sleek, no-nonsense frame that truly delivers on every stroke – another impressive turn from Tecnifibre.

]]>Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0100Great value racketshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/18/great-value-rackets
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/18/great-value-racketsWhen Martin Aldridge launched MANTIS Sports International in 2009 his objective was to bring to market high quality rackets at reasonable prices. Fast forward to 2015 and the British brand has delivered some excellent products.

For advanced players the MANTIS 300-II had a warm reception earlier this year from the tennishead racket testers.

“Players capable of generating their own power will certainly make the MANTIS sing, and it performs admirably both when attacking the net and defending from deep behind the baseline – no shot feels beyond its repertoire, though players looking for Nadalesque levels of spin should look elsewhere. There are heavier rackets in the MANTIS range but the 300 more than holds its own and does not leave you feeling sapped after a half-dozen sets”

For intermediate club players the MANTIS 285 received the tennishead racket testers' Best Value award in June 2015

“For those on the lookout for a lightweight version of an advanced racket, the 285 is a solid option – and ‘solid’ was the word our testers kept coming back to after hitting with this dependable frame. With some canny weight distribution, the drop in mass is more pronounced than the drop in power while still offering good feedback around the court. The only real drawback was the lack of stability when missing the sweet spot. Long story short: if you have got a classic, all-court game and sound strokes, the 285 will reward you.”

(Tennishead June 2015)

It is not only in racket manufacture that MANTIS has excelled; the ITF recently announced the MANTIS Tour as the official ball of the Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas. The ball will also be used for the fifth year running by tennis legends at the Champions Tour Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in November.

The MANTIS Tour ball is an ITF approved pressurised ball suitable for all levels of play on all court surfaces. Made of premium woven cloth offering a high level of performance, consistency and durability, it has been created by the team at MANTIS who work closely with stringers and technicians in order to develop the best quality products across the entire product range.

To find out more about this British manufacturer and their products go to mantis-sport.com

]]>Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0100Turn tennis into a garden gamehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/18/turn-tennis-into-a-garden-game
http://www.tennishead.net/news/gear/2015/09/18/turn-tennis-into-a-garden-gameSending your kids to tennis coaching every week is all well and good, but if they are going to be the next Andy Murray, they need to love playing the sport.

One of the main reasons given by children who quit organised sport by the age of 13 is that it is they no longer enjoy it. Encouraging children to play in the garden makes tennis fun, and not just another hour of lessons.

Learning to lose graciously is something that some adults never achieve, but teaching children to be gracious in both victory and defeat is easier in the low-pressure surroundings of your back garden with family or friends.

A recent survey by Marylebone Cricket Club and the Chance to Shine cricket charity found that 89.3% of parents of eight to 16 year olds believed it was “important” or “very important” for their children to taste victory or defeat in sport.

“Clearly, it makes a great deal of sense to have a Mini Tennis Set for home use if you’re doing serious Mini Tennis practice with young children,” says Zsig director Beverley Edwards. “But Zsig’s family set is for everyone – teenagers and the fully-grown get loads out of it, too. As a game, Mini Tennis can be fast-paced and tactical without the skill level you need for full court tennis.

Zsig has been manufacturing portable Mini Tennis net systems in the UK for over 20 years.

“Our net systems are in a continuous process of redesign,” says Edwards. “For example we have recently patented a new shoulder joint system (designed and made in the UK) and we’ll be unveiling new product lines before the end of the year.

“We’ve supplied over 20,000 sets of Mini Tennis equipment to UK Primary and Secondary Schools for the LTA Tennis Foundation’s Schools Project. Our net system is hardwearing, so can withstand a school environment as well as a back garden. And as we manufacture in the UK, we can offer a full repair and refurb service.

“It’s a brilliant price for a professional, durable piece of equipment. And for holidays, it more than justifies the small space it will take in your car boot.”

Or, for four sports in one, why not choose a Multisport set - you get tennis, badminton, volleyball and footy tennis to keep the family entertained for hours.

]]>Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0100AcademyTop tips to improve your gamehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2018/01/02/top-tips-to-improve-your-game
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2018/01/02/top-tips-to-improve-your-gameFew sports examine willpower and the solidity of a person’s self-belief as much as tennis.

It is hard to find parallels to the lonely and gladiatorial place of a tennis court during a tough match.

The 2012 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal highlighted the complex skills needed to play at the highest level. It was a six-hour test of brutal physical endurance; mental focus and emotional control that delivered accomplished tennis strokes even at the end when fatigue was almost absolute.

However, these skills were learned over a long period of time, and although they seem impossible at the start of the journey, in time these abilities become reachable. Understanding my coaching philosophy will help you compete more effectively by inspiring you to learn and trust in the process that will mold you into a mentally tough athlete.

Inspiration: Paint the dream.

Excite players by planting the seed that what they want is attainable, and then promptly ask them to forget about it and focus on the immediate achievable goal in front of them. A shift in the excitement needs to happen, an eagerness that fuels the imagination about the possibilities that small improvements can achieve. At any level during a crisis of confidence or poor run of form, it is imperative that you find a simple achievable change that will turn things around. The athlete must believe that when this small change clicks into place results will improve. No matter how competent and knowledgeable coaches are, they are poor coaches if they cannot inspire athletes.

Work hard and good things will happen, you just don’t know when.

Work to become a better player. Fall in love with the process of small incremental improvements. Searching for the one big thing that will make a significant difference is a red herring. Process over outcome! It is human nature to expect good results after a period of good and hard work. Tennis will test your resolve. It is rare to get results when we think we are ready, because we generally think we are further down the line than we are, so the message and mentality must remain relaxed with the belief that if we work hard then “good things will happen, we just never know when!”

Success is based on your weapons not your weaknesses. Spend more time building your weapons than improving weaknesses.

Confidence comes from trusting your weapons and over time the belief is so strong that even if you miss four in a row you will still not hesitate on the fifth. The contrast between your strengths and weaknesses is often powerful and a weapon. An unpredictable weakness is very difficult mentally for opponents if they cannot take it for granted that finding it will always bear fruit. The trick is to embrace your weaknesses as part of your game and endeavour to become increasingly effective warts and all.

Keep it simple. Love the process and never work on more than two things at once.

Less done well is more. Mastering two small improvements that bed in for life is faster than superficially improving six things that are forgotten over time. Your focus and mind is more effective when the road is simple and clear, which in my experience means two key points to improve is as much as we can handle effectively.

There is no competitive advantage unless you create it.

Top players create an aura that wins matches before they walk on the court. The locker room is anywhere in the public domain. How you practice, train, dress, talk, your posture, communicate on social media, in fact the total image you portray and ultimately your results, determine your Locker Room Power. Anyone can develop this edge called Locker Room Power. Your attitude allied to a consistent message that says you are on a mission to improve will help you bring an increasingly higher level to the court which other players will notice. Your desire becomes evident and, with the will to work hard, your weapons start to emerge and your belief as a competitor begins to shine through. The process of building Locker Room Power begins through understanding what constitutes a competitive mentality – the mission to improve.

About the author

Dave Sammel has more than 25 years' experience coaching pros to career-high rankings, many of whom have represented their countries in Davis Cup and at the Olympics. Dave became an official ATP coach in 2014 and released a best-selling psychology and coaching book, "Locker Room Power: Building an athlete's mind"

]]>Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Vote for Kontahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/09/14/vote-for-konta
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/09/14/vote-for-kontaNow in their thirtieth year, the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year awards celebrate the outstanding contributions that elite athletes, coaches, community volunteers and inspirational women have made to sport.

Johanna Konta has had a tremendous year and we, at tennishead, think she would be a well deserving recipient of the Sportswoman of the Year award.

Previous winners have included Sally Gunnell, Denise Lewis, Kelly Holmes and Jessica Ennis-Hill. We have yet to see a tennis player in the roll of honour. Laura Kenny four-time Olympic Gold winning medalist was crowned the 2016 Sportswoman of the Year.

Ranked No.7 in the world and on the verge of qualifying for the 2017 WTA Championships in Singapore, Konta has won two titles this year including the Premier 5 tournament in Miami. She also progressed to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, the first British woman to do so since Virginia Wade in 1978.

Jordanne Whiley, who added the Wimbledon doubles title to her list of gongs (and while 11 weeks pregnant) would be a worthy winner as Disability Sportswoman of the Year.

As voting is in the hands of the public, why not do your bit to help celebrate some of the best women tennis players our sport has had?

For individuals who have actively engaged with different groups of people within their community through sport

6. The Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration

Recognising inspirational endeavour in honour of the late sports presenter Helen Rollason

7. Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognising a lifetime of sporting success

The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2017, in association with Vitality, are supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, UK Sport, Sport England and Women in Sport.

]]>Thu, 14 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0100MTWT: Tennis for anyonehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/08/18/mtwt-tennis-for-anyone
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/08/18/mtwt-tennis-for-anyoneMTWT is led by Matt Smith, LTA British Coach of the Year 2011, and former Head Coach at University of Bath. He has spent the first sixth months of 2017 in South/Central America and Mexico, visiting a total of 16 countries, and delivering 56 sessions to 670 children.

The project is supported by Zsig Sports, a specialist tennis equipment provider, and they have donated equipment packs worth£300 each. The packs are shipped to all the sites visited and over 2,500 children have had the chance to play within their local communities.

The project was given an initial boost through MTWT’s crowdfunder site earlier in the year - raising £711 towards the project. MTWT has gained further support from FitBit and Rebo Wall, who are providing additional equipment to support the project on the move.

MTWT is looking for any coaches/volunteers who want to joing the adventure. Or anyone who is going away on holiday/travelling and would like to deliver free tennis sessions for the project.

The project is gaining momentum as the team prepare for the next stage of the adventure through Eastern Europe and Asia.

]]>Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0100Who's that man in the hat?http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/22/whos-that-man-in-the-hat
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/22/whos-that-man-in-the-hatFor several years I have been intrigued by quick flashes of an elderly gentleman, who is always in one of the boxes on Centre Court. He wears a blue suit, a trilby and has a small goatee. Can you satisfy my curiosity?
Miss P Harding, Bristol

David Spearing is Wimbledon’s longest-serving honorary steward, having volunteered at the Championships since 1974. For the past 20 years he has hosted the families and coaches in the players’ box on Centre Court. A University of Cambridge graduate, 80-year-old Spearing is a long-term resident of Abu Dhabi and runs a construction business in the Middle East.

]]>Thu, 22 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100It's all in the bouncehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/09/its-all-in-the-bounce
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/09/its-all-in-the-bounce“You need to be able to adapt quickly to the surface as it changes with weather conditions during the match,” says Erwan Nicholas, JMT Technical Consultant and LTA Performance coach. “Dry weather will speed up the bounce of the ball, while wet weather will slow it down.

“Being versatile and responding to the ever-changing bounce and trajectories is a necessity in this world of dirt!”

Top tip: Try mixing up the slice, top spin and flat shots while rallying with an opponent who shouts out the effect you have to do.

Jonathan Markson Tennis offers tennis coaching holidays in spectacular locations. If you are looking for clay-court tennis then try their venues in Barcelona, Mallorca, Lake Garda, Venice and Andalucia. Coaching is typically three hours each morning with plenty of time to explore or relax by the beach in the afternoon. marksontennis.com

]]>Fri, 09 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Defence or attack?http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/06/defence-or-attack
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/06/defence-or-attack“Adapting your tactics and technique to clay are important characteristics of good clay-court players,” explains Andrea Fierro, JMT Head Coach. “Generally clay-court players are more defensive using heavy top-spin shots, but things can change quickly and players turn into ruthless attacking warriors at the net!”

Top tip: Stand way back behind your baseline and aim to clear the net by a four metre security margin. Then come two metres inside the court and practise hitting the ball on a straight trajectory from up to down.

Jonathan Markson Tennis offers tennis coaching holidays in spectacular locations. If you are looking for clay-court tennis then try their venues in Barcelona, Mallorca, Lake Garda, Venice and Andalucia. Coaching is typically three hours each morning with plenty of time to explore or relax by the beach in the afternoon. marksontennis.com

]]>Tue, 06 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100Open stancehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/02/open-stance
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/06/02/open-stance“Rallies are typically longer on clay, on average eight to 10 shots and use 30 per cent more space than other surfaces,” says Andrea Fierro, JMT Head Coach. “Master your balance in open stance, as you will play more cross court than on other surfaces, and reinforce your core area to rotate even more.”

Top Tip: Basket work! Load onto your outside leg and ask a friend to send you balls in this position. It’s important to feel your outside leg pushing off the ground towards the ball.

Jonathan Markson Tennis offers tennis coaching holidays in spectacular locations. If you are looking for clay-court tennis then try their venues in Barcelona, Mallorca, Lake Garda, Venice and Andalucia. Coaching is typically three hours each morning with plenty of time to explore or relax by the beach in the afternoon. marksontennis.com

]]>Fri, 02 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100To slide or not to slidehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/05/31/to-slide-or-not-to-slide
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/05/31/to-slide-or-not-to-slide"A key component of being a good clay court player is mastering your sliding technique," explains Erwan Nicholas, JMT Technical Consultant and LTA Performance coach. "Knowing when to slide and when not to is essential. The best clay court players are the best movers!"

Top tip: Try to slide on a wide ball. Ensure you connect with the ball at the end of the slide while maintaining your balance.

Jonathan Markson Tennis offers tennis coaching holidays in spectacular locations. If you are looking for clay-court tennis then try their venues in Barcelona, Mallorca, Lake Garda, Venice and Andalucia. Coaching is typically three hours each morning with plenty of time to explore or relax by the beach in the afternoon. marksontennis.com

]]>Wed, 31 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Interview with Carlos Sanchezhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/05/12/interview-with-carlos-sanchez
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/05/12/interview-with-carlos-sanchezTell us a little bit about yourself
I was born in Albacete but I live with my family in Elda, which is 20 minutes from the academy, where I train from Monday to Saturday. I train about six hours a day and I study with the CIDEAD [Spanish distance learning system]. I have a little brother, his name is Edu and he is 12. He also trains like me in the academy, although he only trains in the afternoons and goes to school in the mornings.

When did you first join Equelite academy?
For the last four years I have trained every day at Equelite. We were looking to take the next step for my tennis, and I was fortunate to live less than half an hour away. The academy has trained professionals like Juan Carlos Ferrero, Nicolas Almagro and Tita Torro, so my parents considered it was the best option, and they have not been wrong.

Who is your coach?
My coach is Jose Ezequiel Lido, he was also a player at the academy. We have a very close relationship and we get along very well. I have spent more time with him than with my parents!

Who are your best friends at the academy?
Rafa Izquierdo, I call him "Lefty". He is my friend and training partner and we often travel together. We have shared some very good moments together, although I also get along very well with the other players. There are very good vibes between everyone.

What do you love most about the academy?
The personalised treatment we have each player, and the professionalism of the team. But, above all, the opportunity to train with a former world No.1, Juan Carlos Ferrero, everyday.

Away from tennis, what are your hobbies?
I like to play football, but above all I love video games.

Do you have any idols or role models?
A sportsman who inspires me a lot is [Barcelona midfielder] Andres Iniesta, he is a very humble and hardworking player. From tennis, Fernando Verdasco - many people tell me that my game is similar to his.

Carlos Sanchez (L) beat best friend and fellow Spaniard Rafa Izquierdo (R) to win the European U16 Boys' title in 2016. Both are coached by Jose Ezequiel Lido (C) at JC Ferrero Equelite Academy.

Tell us about how you became European Under-16 champion in Moscow last year.
I did not expect to go; first I had to win the Spanish Championship to qualify. It was a prize. I enjoyed a lot match by match, and finally all good work has its reward.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Juan Carlos Ferrero told me to always give the maximum in every workout.

Where is the best place you have travelled to for tennis?
Last season we went to Mexico to play an ITF Grade 1 event. I liked the organization of the tournament, and I was able to play with the U18 world No.1 [Miomir Kecmanovic].

Where would you most like to travel to?
I’d love to travel to the Caribbean, but more than anything I would love to play Wimbledon.

What are your goals for 2017? And beyond?
My main goal is to play a junior Grand Slam, maybe Roland Garros. In the long run, I would love to be able to reach the Top 100, and then obviously improve on that ranking.

What do you think you will spend your first professional pay cheque?
I would give a gift to my parents, maybe a nice holiday for everything they have done for me.

What would you do with $100,000,000?
Improve the conditions of my family, and donate part to a children's foundation.

To find out more about JC Ferrero-Equelite Academy and its programmes for all ages and abilities go to equelite.com

]]>Fri, 12 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100Grass court getawayhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/04/26/grass-court-getaway
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/04/26/grass-court-getawayWith many tennis clubs taking the decision to turn their grass courts into courts that are playable all year round, it can be hard to get the opportunity to play on the green stuff.

British company Jonathan Markson Tennis is offering players the chance to play on the prestigious grass courts at Cambridge University.

Founded in 1881, Cambridge University Lawn Tennis Club, located at Fenner’s Tennis Ground, is right in the heart of the city and Jonathan Markson Tennis has secured exclusive access to the courts.

Three week-long training camps held in August are a great way to improve your tennis while playing on the grass.

Never played on grass before? It’s not as serene as it looks, says JMT Technical Consultant and LTA Performance coach Erwan Nicholas.

“Playing on grass is incredibly enjoyable,” says Nicholas. “Having this soft and comfortable feeling under your feet with the gentle noise of the bouncing ball hides the ruthless aspect of the game!”

“Going forward is the key,” he explains. "All ball strikes need to be done with the intention of taking the net before your opponent. The low bounce forces all player to move up the court and if you are agile enough to dare spending more time at the net you will be rewarded with numerous volleys to put away.

“But beware: your constant low position, mixed up with the use of slice flat shots will use up a huge amount of energy.”

The camp comprises 30 hours’ of coaching (five hours each day) and includes a singles tournament at the end of the week. There’s plenty of time to relax too, as well as the option to stay in Christ’s College - one of the best-known colleges at the world-famous university.

Aimed at adult improvers as well as players of an advanced standard, every player is likely to learn something to improve their game as well as having some fun away from the court.

The all-inclusive package (£1045) includes seven nights’ accommodation, meals in restaurants around the city, and social activities including a tour of the city, wine tasting, punting and a trip to the outdoor Shakespearean theatre.

“It was very well organised, great coaches, excellent tennis courts and a wonderful atmosphere,” said Santi, who attended the camp last year. “A very good selection of coaches, off-court activities and an amazing location.”

]]>Wed, 26 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0100Pro Coach: Samuel Lopezhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/03/23/pro-coach-samuel-lopez
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/03/23/pro-coach-samuel-lopezLopez, who played on the Spanish national circuit before becoming a coach at the age of 22, co-founded the Equelite Sport Academy in Villena with Antonio Martinez Cascales in 1990 and has worked at the academy ever since.

As a player, what were your strengths and weaknesses?
My fitness and determination were pretty good. My weakness was my backhand

What would you say your strengths are as a coach?
I’m patient and a good communicator. Communication is really important

How did you get involved in the academy?
I’m from Villena, where Toni [Antonio Martinez Cascales] was my coach. After a while I started helping him coach some of the groups. I co-founded the JC Ferrero-Equelite Sport Academy with him in 1990.

Overall, how many years have you spent travelling on the tour as a coach?
Many years. First I travelled with competition groups on the ITF circuit, and in the last seven or eight years I’ve been travelling on the ATP circuit with professional players – first Juan Carlos Ferrero and then Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Nicolas Almagro, and more recently Pablo Carreno Busta.

How long have you been working with Pablo?
This is my second year with him. We are really happy with how things are working, and the results have also been pretty good. We have a great dynamic and I hope to continue working with him for many more years. He has a great work ethic and that makes my job much more enjoyable.

When you return home from a few weeks away, what is the first thing you do?
When I arrive at home I try to spend some day there with my family resting, but that´s impossible - my family always make plans. Of course I like to be with them, but staying at home wouldn't be so bad either!

With the young players coming to the summer camps, what areas do you focus on?
As they don´t have so much time, we can’t focus them on technique changes, only small changes and important ideas such as consistency and tactics. The most important thing is for them to experience training in a high-performance academy and understanding our philosophy and the way we work.

What makes Equelite different from other high-performance academies?
We’re really focused on helping the players reach their potential so we provide a really personalised training for every player. Many of the coaches and staff, including Juan Carlos Ferrero, live at the academy. We provide a familiar and safe atmosphere where players can focus on their tennis and studies. And of course, the fact that Juan Carlos is here and knows all the kids and trains with them is something unique.

Where is your favourite place at the academy?
I love being out on court. When I'm at the academy I spend lot of time on court, not just with Pablo but with all the players.

To find out more about JC Ferrero-Equelite Academy and its Summer Stage residential camps for players aged eight to 16 to go equelite.com

]]>Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000Training the non-dominant handhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/03/15/training-the-non-dominant-hand
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/03/15/training-the-non-dominant-handJudy Murray show you how to improve strength and skills using both the dominant and non-dominant hands.

Players should start by placing the ball between two rackets, one in each hand. Keeping the ball trapped between the strings, players should rotate as if they are preparing to hit a forehand or backhand.

The player should then release the ball in the direction if the REBO wall and catch the ball between their rackets on the rebound. Try alternating sides and be careful not to release the ball too early or too late.

Once the player has accomplished this and feels comfortable they should attempt the next stage. Again, with one racket in each hand, the first shot the player should hit is a forehand using their dominant hand.

Next, the player should hit their second shot using their non-dominant hand and keep the rally going. Keep count of how many you can get in a row and aim for the REBO target.

To progress the drill the player should bump up the ball on their racket in a controlled upward direction in order to set the next shot up.

The player should let the ball bounce and then hit a groundstroke using the opposite hand against the REBO wall. Make sure the set up is controlled and try this on both sides.

YOU v WALL: Drills for the Hitting Wall

Many of today's top tennis players grew up learning to play tennis and hone their skills against a hitting wall. In a new series of articles, REBO ambassadors share ideas and top tips on the best ways to train with a wall.

No partner, no problem!
REBO walls are idea for practising without a court or even a partner. To see the full REBO product range and for more drills and coaching tips like this, visit REBO coaching at rebowall.com

]]>Wed, 15 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000Hardest, fastest: New Player Analysishttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/01/15/hardest-fastest--new-player-analysis
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/01/15/hardest-fastest--new-player-analysisGIG, who are developing a range of innovative metrics for player performance, analysed data from Australian Open matches between 2014 and 2016 to gauge the average amount of effort each player puts in per point.

Considering the energy expended per shot and the average number of shots per rally, Murray topped the rankings for both men and women with an average work-per-point score of 2218.5 Joules (J) for the 2488 points played over the past three years at Melbourne Park,

The fastest players around the court were Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep. According to the analysis, Novak Djokovic registered a peak speed of 36 kph. (Usain Bolt reached a peak speed of 44.7 kph during his world record 100-metre sprint in 2009). Simona Halep is the fastest woman on the circuit with a peak speed of 23 kph.

The Tennis Australia Game Insight Group (GIG) is headed up by leading sports scientist Dr Machar Reid and American data scientist Dr Stephanie Kovalchik. Using advanced tracking data from the Australian Open and the latest hardware and software, the team has come up with some interesting stats which they think will change the way we see the game, and how the game is talked about. They say it’s not just about first serve percentages and break point conversions.

“There’s an opportunity, as other sports have done, to capitalise on the step change we're experiencing in data and technology," said Dr Reid. “This journey is in its absolute infancy for us a sport, but it will help the game – and more importantly the players – in more ways than many of us can imagine is possible right now.”

There’s also a new point-by-point assessment of the changing probability of a player winning a match in the new Win Prediction feature. So if stats are your thing, keep your eyes peeled on this new analysis and see what you think – is it good for the game?

]]>Sun, 15 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000Spanish like FAST4 formathttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/01/02/spanish-like-fast4-format
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2017/01/02/spanish-like-fast4-formatThis year for the first time at Hopman Cup, in Perth, Western Australia, the doubles is played in the ITF approved format FAST4. It is a format that is used at several events around the world, including the IPTL. It has its own scoring method (see below) and service lets are played.

The Hopman Cup is synonymous with innovation," said Tournament Director Paul Kilderry. “I think Hopman Cup is a great event to try new things. I think you’ve got such a great field of players, they’re competitive and you can really see how it will work at the highest level."

The FAST4 format is used by more than one third of league players around Western Australia and getting more people to play tennis, as well as to watch, is one of the aims of the Hopman Cup organisers.

The Spaniards overcame their opponents in 27 minutes, the scoreline, 4-0 4-2. So, what did they make of the format?

French Open doubles champion, Feliciano Lopez, who is used to the format as he plays it at IPTL, said: “Lara and I haven’t played mixed before together and mixed is always a lot different, especially with this new format that we are playing. We knew it was going to be very quick and every point counts because it is no ad, which is very risky, you lose one point when you serve and you are really in danger. We knew Nick is a great server, that they didn't lose a match [at the Hopman Cup] last year, so winning was going to be very tough. I think we brought our best out there today.”

His 24-year-old partner Lara Arrubarrena had never played this format, which has its own scoring system and where service lets are played.

“I like it, it's fast, you have to be ready because if you miss a ball you feel in danger every time,” she said. “I think it is a good format for an exhibition, for a tournament maybe it is too fast. But I think here it is OK.”

Kilderry says although the format has been introduced for 2017, as with every year when the event finishes he will sit down with his team and review all aspects of the event including the FAST4 format.

FAST4 Scoring MethodBest of three-set matches
A set is complete once a team reaches four games
No advantage scoring
A FAST4 tiebreak is played when the score reaches three-all
In a FAST4 tiebreak the team that first wins five points wins the set, with a deciding point at four-all

]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000Captain Fantastichttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/12/20/captain-fantastic
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/12/20/captain-fantasticTennis is an inherently individual sport, but whether part of Great Britain’s winning Davis Cup team or your club’s third team in the local tennis league, there are times when it becomes a team game. The secret of any successful side is team spirit – individuals are playing for their club, region or country – not just themselves.

And while having a world- class player like Andy Murray in the team certainly played its part during Britain’s historic Davis Cup victory in 2015, the role played by captain Leon Smith did not go unheralded.

“You feel like every member of the team is equally important,” Dominic Inglot said of Smith, who boasts an impressive 14 wins from 16 ties since taking over as captain in 2010. “As a player you want to play for someone like that – someone who really treasures your input no matter if it's on the bench or on the court.”

Depending on the level of competition and the back-up team available, the skills required of a successful captain vary from logistics and coaching to tactician and amateur psychologist.

A captain must be comfortable making tough decisions, such as leaving a player on the bench or dropping a player from the team. In March 2015, Australia captain Willy Masur subbed in Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth for youngsters Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis as Australia reversed a 0-2 deficit to beat Kazakhstan 3-2.

Hewitt, who boasts a 58-21 win-loss record in 42 Davis Cup ties, always produced his best tennis when wearing the green and gold of Australia, and the former world No.1 is now applying that passion to his role as captain.

“For me it’s about instilling my experience and helping the younger players be their best,” said Hewitt, who made his debut in 1999. Whether a playing captain like Hewitt, or the more traditional non-playing role, a captain’s job requires a full range of skills: tactical awareness, judicious communication, motivational and organisational ability, not to mention leadership.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000Spin it to win ithttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/11/17/spin-it-to-win-it
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/11/17/spin-it-to-win-itTopspinPro is a revolutionary training aid that helps beginners and improvers master topspin. Coaches traditionally wait until a player has a solid command of the game to teach topspin, but Phillip Hofmeyr invented Topspin Pro to change that.

“Spin is what gives one consistency. Teach topspin first and you dramatically accelerate how soon someone is playing with consistency and power, making tennis much more fun,” explains Hofmeyr. “And teaching topspin to beginners saves you the trouble of changing their grips and getting them to ‘un-learn’ the strokes they were taught when they first started.”

It’s all very well playing shadow tennis with the low-to-high trajectory, but that does not give the sensation of the ball spinning off the stringbed. That’s where the TopspinPro helps players get to grips with the technique before trying it in real time.

The tripod construction features a tennis ball mounted on a flexible pivot that both spins and springs back when hit with topspin. Brush the ball without hitting the wings and the it will spin, pass between the wings and spring back, ready to go again. As with most skills, repetition is the key, until muscle memory kicks in, and before you know it, you’ve mastered topspin.

“By forcing you to keep the angle of your racket face constant and allowing you to feel what it’s like to brush the ball, TopspinPro combines both the visual and kinaesthetic elements essential to accelerated learning,” says Hofmeyr. “It focuses on the impact zone, where the racket face is between 75-80 degrees and encourages wrist use to generate spin.”

So confident is Hofmeyr in his invention, that he offers a 60 day money-back guarantee if it doesn’t help you master topspin.

We first featured TopspinPro in tennishead magazine back in June 2015, when Hofmeyr had launched a kickstarter campaign. Since then, he has sold more than 3000 units across 62 countries around the world.

]]>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000Hitting the Wallhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/11/09/hitting-the-wall
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/11/09/hitting-the-wallWhen Leon Smith, Davis Cup captain and coach, was growing up in Glasgow he regularly hit balls against the garage wall at home. Growing up with two brothers, who are also coaches, Smith had people at home to play with but he loved hitting against the wall at Clarkston Tennis Club. If two of the brothers wanted to play a set, the other could hit against the wall. It is a memory that has stuck with him. “We used that wall a lot and practised against it endless amounts,” he recalls.

Smith, who is also an ambassador for REBO wall, a UK based company manufacturing hitting walls, is not alone in the use of a wall. Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka all practised against a wall when they were growing up. There’s no guarantee that using a wall will mean you become the next world No.1, but it will certainly increase your chances of success simply by hitting so many balls.

“Playing against a wall can develop your stroke production,” explains Smith, “so in that respect it’s better than a partner because the ball keeps coming back to you again and again. You develop not just the stroke itself but the accuracy, because if you want to be precise and accurate with your shots, then you can use things that you hang or draw on the wall, circles, squares you can hit into over and over again.”

As any good player knows, you can develop a stroke, but you also need to practise placement. By drawing a circle, or hanging something on the wall, you have a target to aim at.

“Your focus becomes greater, and you can have a bit of fun with it,” says Smith. “You can score points against a partner.”

Among the many benefits of a hitting wall is the ability to develop hand-eye co-ordination, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player. With this comes the ability to develop great reflexes. There is a video on You Tube of doubles specialist Cara Black hitting backhand and forehand volleys against a wall with incredible speed. Novak Djokovic recently posted a video of him revisiting Kapaonik where he used to hit against a wall. “The best sparring partner you can have is a wall; it never misses,” he said.

For professional coaches, perhaps the biggest benefit of a hitting wall is the ability to accommodate a larger group. Four players can be on court while four could be hitting at the wall. By offering a range of activities and rotating the players though the exercises, gone are those boring moments for kids waiting their turn on court.

There is also a great opportunity to introduce football into coaching sessions. Former England players David Beckham and Glenn Hoddle are among many who used to hone their technique against a wall. Some of the movement skills of football cross over with tennis. Like tennis, football requires short bursts of speed, as well as making small adjustment steps as the ball comes towards you.

“I think it is healthy for children to have that combination of sports when they do their practice sessions,” says Smith. “When I was coaching a very young Andy Murray, we didn’t have a wall at Stirling University, I wish we had, but I took a football down and at the start of the session, some of the warm up was with a football, some with a tennis ball.”

For coaches too, the opportunity to stand next to a player, rather than across the net, in a one-to-one coaching session enables greater observation and communication.

“Suppose you are working on the backhand volley,” says Smith, “you can have your player hitting against the wall and you can study what the arm, the body, the hands are doing on contact. Your eye can pick up things that bit easier.”

A hitting wall can help players of all standards improve. As a coach you can get more people through the door, which can help grow your business, not to mention the sport.

This article originally appeared in tennishead Volume 7 Issue 5. For more great features, in-depth gear reviews and stunning images subscribe to tennishead today. ￼￼￼

As well as bagging a New Balance goodie bag, Andy and Matthew got the chance to test their skills on court against the British No.2.

“I saw the competition on the tennishead website, it was close to where I live, and I knew I was free this week so it felt like the stars aligned,” said left-hander Andy. “I used to be a very keen tennis player. From the age of 10 to 18 I was playing tennis four or five times a week.

“I’ve always wanted to play with the pros and I think having played at a decent level, so I’ve always wanted to test myself against some of the best.”

While the trip to the NTC was easy for Andy, who lives in South West London, his brother Matthew had a longer journey.

“I live in Liverpool but I came from my girlfriend’s in Coventry,” explained Matthew. “I had to get up at 5:00am to get here.”

]]>Fri, 28 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0100Nadal: Academy is a dream come truehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/10/25/nadal-academy-is-a-dream-come-true
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/10/25/nadal-academy-is-a-dream-come-trueThe 14-time Grand Slam champion officially opened the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in his home town of Manacor last week.

With 26 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a fitness centre, two swimming pools, mini-football pitches, 10 padel tennis courts as well as an international school, pro shop, restaurant and sports clinic, the academy took nearly two years to complete.

The team of coaches are directed by Nadal’s uncle and long-time coach Toni, while the 30-year-old's Grand Slam trophies are on display in the museum situated on the complex.

“It's an important moment of my career,” said Nadal. “A lot of years dreaming about having something like this. Finally that dream came true.”

Nadal may already be thinking about expanding his empire, but he says there was only ever going to be one location for his academy.

“I don't know if it's going to be my last academy but for me the most important thing is to build the first one here,” he says. “It's where I live, where I'm going to live and it's the only chance to really be involved with the project. Having the academy here. I'm here every day so I can see, I can be close to the kids, I can be close to the coaches.”

CNN serves up a half hour of tennis that takes viewers beyond the baseline in search of the most compelling stories in the sport. Hosted by former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.

‘Open Court’ airs at the following times on CNN International:
Saturday 29 October at 1730 BST
Sunday 30 October at 0730 BST and 2230 BST

]]>Tue, 25 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0100Tips for hitting a slice servehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/30/tips-for-hitting-a-slice-serve
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/30/tips-for-hitting-a-slice-serve"I think you always serve differently on different surfaces, especially clay and grass which are so different,” Roger Federer observed. “On grass you use the slice serve much more than you use the kick, whereas on clay you are not going to try to kick the ball up high or it is going to be carried out of the court.”

On slow surfaces, like the clay courts of Roland Garros, all players – men and women – have significantly longer rallies than on any other surface. On fast surfaces, such as the grass courts at Wimbledon, rallies are shorter than on clay or hard.

A high-speed serve on a clay court takes about 0.02 seconds longer to arrive at the baseline than it does on a grass court. However, the average first serve speed for men at the French Open is about 25kph slower than at Wimbledon.

This is the result of a trade-off between serve speed and spin, as more spin can be generated when hitting slower serves. A slower serve with more topspin on a clay court causes the ball to kick up or sideways at an awkward angle, making it more difficult to return.

By contrast, serving with heavy topspin is less useful on a grass court. Fast, lower-bouncing serves with less kick are more effective. The slice serve allows the opportunity to pull the opponent out of court because it bounces to the side after hitting the ground. The smoother the surface, the more effect sidespin will have on the ball.

How to hit a slice serve
✪ Toss the ball in front and slightly to the right (for a right-handed player)
✪ Turn the upper body slightly sideways and backwards and transfer weight backwards
✪ Rotate the body upwards and to the front in the direction of the shot
✪ Swing the racket to the point of impact at an angle to the side, meeting the ball a little further to the left than on the basic serve ✪ Move the racket upwards across the ball and follow the path of the ball with the upper body
✪ Land on the right foot – or on the left for a left-handed player

Tips for using the slice serve on grass
✪ Vary the serve to keep the opponent guessing – vary the direction, spin and pace. A 20% variation creates uncertainty
✪ Slice serves out wide will open up the court – hit the second shot to the open court for a winner or approach the net for a classic serve and volley combination
✪ The second serve is usually hit more conservatively, with more spin and less pace. It is crucial to be able to vary the direction of the second serve in addition to maintaining its accuracy
✪ The best servers use the same ball toss for every serve they hit
✪ Learn to hit the ball out wide, into the body and down the middle with the same ball toss

Tips for returning a slice serve
✪ Be as aggressive as possible on the return
✪ Plan before the point starts where to hit the return
✪ Don’t stand too far back
✪ Try to return deep to the opponent’s weaker side
✪ A return down the line puts the server on the back foot using

The slice serve in doubles
✪ Inform the net player of the intended placement, speed and spin of the serve
✪ Serve-and-volley tactics are more prevalent in doubles – tactically the team will want to assume net positions immediately after the serve
✪ Use the slice serve placed into the corners to open up the court, allowing time to come into the net and an opportunity for the net player to poach

Tennis iCoach is the official coaching platform from the International Tennis Federation. It is an online coach education resource offering tennis-specific sport science content on technique, tactics, psychology, biomechanics, sports medicine and coaching methodology. For more information, related articles and resources go to tennisicoach.com

]]>Fri, 30 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Get more punch on your forehandhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/18/get-more-punch-on-your-forehand
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/18/get-more-punch-on-your-forehandBasic acceleration and the racket path to the contact with the ball are two key areas to focus on, Erwan Nicholas, Technical Advisor for Jonathan Markson Tennis, explains.

What is basic acceleration?
It is the action of pulling the racket forward by the buttcap from the shoulder and thrusting it into the path of the ball. This racket presentation will ensure control, direction and power.

Why do I need to practise this?
By training to achieve your top speed, your match speed will greatly increase.

How can I practise it?
Hand feed a ball in front and focus on the racket path and wrist angle of 90 degrees. Increase the speed progressively and focus on the direction.

How can I check if I am doing it right?
Videoing your stroke is a brilliant way to check if you are preparing the racket properly. Can you see the logo on the buttcap as in the picture? If yes, then good job!

What's next?
There is so much more! You need to ‘release' the racket after the contact point but that is another story...

In the video below Malte, 15, focuses on basic acceleration and racket path on a Jonathan Markson Tennis camp in Brighton.

]]>Sun, 18 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Food for thoughthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/18/food-for-thought
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/18/food-for-thoughtI normally travel with a large 20kg bag of equipment and nutritional supplies. I take a blender and a sandwich press as well as protein powder, snacks, gels and hydration products. The food on offer isn’t always what our players want to be eating pre-match so we try to be as self-sufficient as possible.

When I get to a venue it’s crucial for me to develop a relationship with the hotel chef so we can get the best food for the team. The language barrier was a little bit difficult in Serbia [for GB's quarter-final win in Belgrade], but thankfully the chef spoke English. I like to get in the kitchen and work alongside the chef. I try to use some of the hotel’s favourite dishes as well as the food that we know that the players prefer to eat.

When we arrived in Belgrade it was 45°C on court and about 11% humidity but they ended up playing in 17°C and light drizzle so it was more about getting enough energy in the players to sustain them rather than fluids and hydration being the major focus.

It is my job to raise the probability that they can play to their peak regardless of the conditions. If we do our jobs right then they go our on court confident, knowing their bodies are ready, knowing they’ve got everything in the tank and have confidence in their gear, their tactics and their nutrition.

One of the things I’ve noticed about Davis Cup is that it is so physically and emotionally draining. The physios, the doctor and myself just keep working to keep everyone on an even keel and keep the energy levels high.

We work as a team and Leon’s philosophy is to take one point, one rubber, one Davis Cup tie at a time. Everyone loves being part of the team. The fact that Andy [Murray] took time away from his family to travel to Belgrade just shows what this team means to him. It was hugely inspirational and he’s a tactical genius on and off the court. We were so lucky to have him there.

The support at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow is unreal - it’s so noisy from the very first point. That fortress mentality is real. Nothing is a given but these home crowd advantages have got to be worth a few points at least.

]]>Sun, 18 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Hurdle drill to improve movementhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/17/hurdle-drill-to-improve-movement
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/17/hurdle-drill-to-improve-movementWhile there’s no substitute for hitting balls on court, there are also plenty of opportunities to improve your game without a racket in your hand.

All Jonathan Markson Tennis camps put plenty of emphasis on strength and conditioning and the importance of speed, agility and flexibility.

“To understand movement in tennis we must look at stats from the singles game,” says James, who is also a qualified strength and conditioning coach. “Less than 8% of movement is backwards, less than 20% of movement is forwards and 70% of movement is lateral. A typical rally lasts between seven and ten seconds.

“Therefore working on lateral exercises with good quality and high intensity for 10 seconds followed by 25 seconds’ rest is far more beneficial than making a player run suicides across the tennis court.”

Set up three hurdles about roughly 50cm apart and stand with the hurdles to your left. Leading with the left leg, drive up with the left knee and land over the first hurdle, followed by the right leg. Repeat this for the second hurdle. Drive with the left leg over the third hurdle but keep the right knee in the air, shifting the balance back and change direction. Continue for 10 seconds.

“In this exercise we are looking for a high knee drive, use of the arms and minimal ground contact time,” explains James. “That introduces an element of plyometric movement. This exercise also has an element of deceleration and balance when stopping at the end of the three hurdles.”

]]>Sat, 17 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Around The World trick shothttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/16/around-the-world-trick-shot
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/16/around-the-world-trick-shotThe Coach In Training programme, which is open to players aged 15 and over and held at Brighton University campus, includes a session which involves the trainee coaches learning new tricks. While it is lots of fun, it helps the trainees understand the learning process by turning them into a beginner again.

One of the skills the students attempt to master is the “Round The World” trickshot, which involves releasing multiple balls from the racket face and catching them again after moving the racket all the way around the balls in flight.

“To do the around the world trick first, you need to master the two main movements,” explains Fierro, who can perform the skill with six balls. “Firstly the toss, and secondly the racket movement around the ball.

“The most important thing about the toss is that it has to be high enough to have time to go around the ball, but not too much. You will start the racket movement around the ball as it is rising, so it can't be too high either. The more balls you use, the more of is important to toss the balls so that they stick together. As you can imagine, the more balls the more difficult it is to keep them all together.

“You have to hold the racket with two hands and you quickly have to move the racket over-in front and underneath the ball. As you catch the ball you have to follow the balls path so they don't bounce on the racket.”

Let’s Go Around The World

Start the learning process with one ball. Hold the racket with two hands as in the photos, let the ball bounce and then catch it on the racket.

Next step is learning the movement: toss the ball. As it bounces, place the racket away from your chest and have the ball bounce back up between your chest and the racket. Then place the racket underneath the ball and gently catch it.

Once you have mastered the movement, try it without bouncing the ball.

When you are confident with one ball, add another. Don’t let them bounce on the floor this time – go straight into the full action.

If you are interested in learning this trick or joining the Coach In Training programme in Brighton then find out more at marksontennis.com

]]>Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Social tennis in the Algarvehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/15/social-tennis-in-the-algarve
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/15/social-tennis-in-the-algarveJonathan Markson Tennis is running a series of social tennis weeks in the Algarve from October to December with prices starting from just £500.

Set on the beautiful Algarve coast, the charming resort of Praia da Luz is the perfect location for a late season tennis week. With warm temperatures and blue skies almost guaranteed, it is a great way to finish your tennis season or even make a jumpstart on your game for 2017 while your friends and colleagues are stuck at work.

With a selection of weeks tailored to your level (Improver, Intermediate or Advanced), the Single Player Weeks are ideal for single players, couples and small groups of friends. The price includes six nights’ bed and breakfast and 15 hours of group tennis coaching, as well as free access to courts in the afternoon.

The coaching team, led by resident coaches Luis and Vasco, who have worked for Jonathan Markson Tennis for more than 15 years, offer a mix of drills and tactics. There is an optional friendly tournament at the end of the week as well as a three-course dinner on the final evening.

While the Algarve is a popular holiday destination for British tourists, Praia da Luz has a distinctly local feel with plenty of local restaurants serving fresh fish and native Portuguese cuisine.

Choose between the convenience of the Luz Bay Hotel and the flexibility of the self-catering apartments at Baia and Estrela da Luz, just a short walk from the centre of town with a supermarket offering a superb selection of cheese and wine, which makes eating in just as appealing as dining out.

]]>Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Dartmoor delighthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/15/dartmoor-delight
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/15/dartmoor-delightNew for 2016 are four state-of-the-art multisport simulators, a brand new roller skating rink, with a synthetic ice rink set to open later this month – and like most of the facilities - are available free to residents.

What’s more, all three meals are included in the cost (plus a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner on Thursdays and Sundays), meaning you can put your wallet away for the duration of your stay.

Set in over 600 acres of beautiful countryside on the foothills of Dartmoor National Park, Manor House and its sister hotel The Ashbury proudly calls itself a “three star hotel with five star facilities”.

With a total of eight indoor and four outdoor tennis courts (complete with stunning views across Dartmoor), you can enjoy unlimited tennis for free, and group coaching is available from just £4 per hour.

The dedicated tennis team is on hand to pre-book courts and lessons before you arrive and book private coaching with resident tennis coach Roger Froud.

If you’re looking for somewhere that offers more than just tennis, look no further.

From fishing to bowls and snooker to dodgeball, Manor House is the ideal destination for an action-packed short break. There are more craft activities than you can shake a paintbrush at, while the state-of-the-art hydro spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of badminton, archery and candle making.

And if the on-site activities don’t tickle your fancy, why not hire a bike and explore the beautiful Devon countryside, or if you are feeling adventurous, there is also horse riding, rock climbing and water sports available off-site for an additional fee.

For families and groups of friends; sports aficionados and craft lovers alike, there really is no other hotel like it.

]]>Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100What players can learn from Stanhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/12/what-players-can-learn-from-stan
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/12/what-players-can-learn-from-stan“Before the final, I was really nervous like never before,” he said. “I was shaking in the locker. When we start five minutes before the match talking, last few things with Magnus [Norman, his coach], I started to cry. I was completely shaking.”

But by the time he got on court he managed to compose himself. He had a total belief in his game.

“The only thing I was convinced with myself that my game was there. Physically I was there. My game was there. Put the fight on the court and you will have a chance to win. And that's what happened after few games when I started to believe in myself, started to be in the match.”

Having played nearly 18 hours of matchplay in the six matches leading to the final the Swiss was ready to go though some pain to win, because losing was simply not an option.

“If you want to beat the No.1 player in the world, you have to give everything. You have to accept to suffer and you have almost to enjoy suffering. Because I think this Grand Slam was the most painful, physically and mentally, that I ever played."

He said that going into the match he thought: “I don't want to come to the court and lose a final. So close, so far. So maybe it's the reason why I was feeling so nervous.”

And if anyone wants the bottom line on the secret of his composure, he said: “I had to put my shit together” – apologising for the language, but it may be the best piece of advice the 2016 US Open champion could give to any player before a big match.

The morning after the night before the Swiss player was at a photo shoot at the top of the Rockefeller Center in New York. Amidst all the cameras and the attention, like most mortal players he still wanted a selfie.

Can the 2016 US Open Champion let us know how he managed to hold that trophy with one hand?

]]>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100Train with Leon Smithhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/02/train-with-leon-smith
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/09/02/train-with-leon-smithSmith, who captained Great Britain to an historic Davis Cup victory last year, will offer advice, tuition and tips to players at La Manga Club from October 17-21.

It is not the first time Smith has visited the resort, which boasts 28 tennis courts (20 clay, four hard, four artificial grass). La Manga Club is the official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association.

“La Manga Club has some of the best tennis facilities in the world and it has played an important part in helping our players excel on the international stage, and to deliver one of the most successful periods ever in British tennis,” said Smith.

“The training environment at the resort is second to none. The players love coming here and I’m delighted to have this opportunity to give tennis lovers the chance to not only train here but also gain a real insight and understanding of our methods and approach that helped us to win the Davis Cup.”

As well as starting each day with an on-court presentation, Smith will be on hand to help players improve their technique. At the end of the week he will also give an insight into the success of the Davis Cup team and host a Q&A session before a gala dinner at the Amapola restaurant.

Five-night packages start from €583 (~£485) per person. For more information or to book, go to www.lamangaclub.com.

]]>Fri, 02 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100In confidencehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/08/02/in-confidence
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/08/02/in-confidenceA player’s mentality can have an enormous impact on their performance in all competitive sport. But perhaps no more so than in tennis, with the gladiatorial nature of the game – a one-on-one no-contact conflict with no coaching permitted – the need for mental resilience is even more profound.

Research has shown that coaches are gradually becoming more aware of the importance of mental resilience and are more interested in understanding and applying mental training techniques into a player’s daily routine.

When a player experiences the ideal performance state (IPS) he or she feels totally immersed in the game with heightened mental perception where everything seems to just click. This state is often referred to as being ‘in the zone’.

“I didn't feel anything,” Lukas Rosol said after his famous upset against Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2012. “I was in a trance a little bit. That’s the best.”

Confidence is a belief in one’s own abilities. Understandably, the top players display a strong belief in their own abilities and the performances they are capable of. Possessing self-confidence does not guarantee peak performance but its absence can make it harder to achieve. If players lack self-confidence, they may expect to fail – and this expectation, in part, may cause them to fail.

Just think about that time Rosol beat Nadal at Wimbledon, or Sergiy Stakhovsky’s unlikely win against defending champion Roger Federer the following year – the perfect example of how a player’s level of belief and self-confidence can drastically alter the outcome of a match when no-one disputes who is the more gifted player.

Confidence arouses positive emotions, facilitates concentration and increases persistence. It can make a player choose more challenging goals and can even affect shot selection – with negative thoughts a player will often move their centre of mass backwards, placing more weight onto the back foot, creating a less stable base. When this happens it is harder for a player to generate power and regain an offensive strategy.

Lack of confidence could be in one particular area – such as lacking conviction in a certain stroke, like the overhead or a second serve, or in pressure situations like a tiebreak or match point. A player may lack belief against a particular opponent or during certain match- play situations, such as a rain delay.

A lack of self-confidence triggers self-doubts, which negatively affect performances and cause a player to dwell on past results, and consequently focus on the outcome rather than the performance.

On the other hand, having too much confidence can also be problematic. Over-confidence can be seen in players who possess more confidence than their abilities warrant and can lead to poor match preparation, a blasé attitude, wavering concentration and a lack of intensity.

Psychological skills are incorrectly believed by many to be innate. If the player is mentally ‘weak’ many believe that it is impossible to change. Confidence is not an inherited trait and psychological skills can be developed through planned and purposeful practice using tools such as goal setting, visualisation and match-play situations.

IMPROVING SELF CONFIDENCE
A player must understand their current level and what may be holding them back. By training smartly; practising with intensity and focusing on solidifying strengths as well as improving areas of weakness and increasing technical and tactical preparation, self-confidence should improve. A plan requires maximum effort at all times, accepting their worth and avoiding comparisons.

BEFORE A MATCH
Being prepared and developing routines helps ensure minimal stress. Pre-match routines gradually become habits and every player will find a routine to suit them, whether listening to music or finding somewhere quiet to prepare. A good pre-match plan should keep a player focused and relaxed. Complaining about external factors outside of their control such as court surface, balls, the conditions or even the opponent are signs that a player was not mentally prepared or confident beforehand.

DURING A MATCH
There are four emotional responses during a match: tanking (withdrawing effort), anger (aggressive behaviour) and choking (worrying and focusing on the outcome) all inhibit performance. Only by fighting – relishing the competition and giving 100% - can a player remain energised. Use routines or patterns to either relax or energise themselves. Positive body language and self-talk can reinforce concentration and confidence levels.

MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
In every tennis match there are turning points, and momentum plays a key role in the result. The most successful players are able to control momentum when it is against them and take advantage of it when the match flow is in their favour. Winning sequences of points helps build momentum and confidence. This can be developed in practice by implementing match point drills where three points in a row constitutes a game, six points makes a set and nine points wins a match. Improving confidence and mental consistency will help players control momentum during match play.

POST-MATCH
A mental evaluation after the match can help contribute to future positive performances. Acknowledge positive aspects of the performance – it is important to recognise good shots and phases of play. Committing those successful moments – whether a good shot or a hard-fought win – to memory will help players draw on positive memories to build confidence in the future.

Tucked away on the west coast of Tenerife, the 400- acre Ritz-Carlton Abama offers the perfect blend of luxury, fine dining and outstanding leisure facilities. But first to the weather. Situated 250km off the coast of north west Africa, the Canary Islands boast a balmy year-round climate, with temperatures averaging 24°C in summer and 20°C in winter and less than 40 days of rain per year.

With academies now established at Pine Cliffs in Portugal and Forte Village in Sardinia, Annabel Croft was looking for another five-star resort to offer a year-round tennis programme. Abama ticked all the boxes. Surrounded by tropical palm trees, the seven Plexipave courts and four padel courts enjoy a breathtaking vista. With the volcanic Mount Teide (snow-capped in winter) to the north east and the ocean to the west, it is a far cry from Thursday night training down your local club.

“It’s an undiscovered gem at the moment,” says Steve Cockell, Coaching Director at Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. “Throw in the winter sunshine and it’s perfect for tennis. Whether you go as a family, individual or part of a tennis group it is a fantastic destination.

“Our vision is to have lots of people there, enjoying the fantastic facilities and perhaps coming off court and enjoying a drink with these fantastic views. The aim of Annabel Croft Tennis Academy is to put group coaching into resorts and give people, whether they are a beginner or an experienced tennis player, opportunities to drop in and play tennis, make friends, learn about the game and participate in a working programme.”

With British tennis coaches offering a year-round coaching programme at Abama, the on-court philosophy of the coaches is “movement and repetition”, the theory being that by getting your footwork right the timing, and consequently the technique, will come more easily.

“Our belief is that if we get the movement right we can get instant results, and I think that is important for a tennis holiday,” explains Cockell. “I don’t think it’s right to start messing with your grip or trying to change your swing because the chances are you will go home worse than when you arrived. Why would you pay loads of money to go home all doom and gloom? I want players to go home buzzing and wanting to come back.”

Down the hill from the courts is the luxurious hotel and its seven swimming pools and 10 restaurants. A train runs down to the secluded golden sandy beach. Be sure to check out the spa, with its wealth of steam rooms, hydrotherapy pool and menu of treatments from Balinese facial to Swedish massage.

There are 10 restaurants to choose from, whether you fancy grabbing a burger and a pint while watching the football in the sports bar, tucking into a steak at the Pampa Grill house or eating while watching the sun go down at the scenic Mirador restaurant. If you’re feeling really indulgent, the resort boasts three Michelin-stars. The unique fusion of Japanese and local cuisines makes Kabuki a popular destination for foodies, while Martin Berasategui’s two-starred M.B restaurant is described in the Michelin guide as “innovative cuisine combining excellent ingredients, superb technical skill and meticulous presentation”.

With such a wealth of dining and leisure options on site, it is the kind of place where you can wake up and decide whether you want to spend the day finessing your forehand or simply sipping Sangria. Whatever takes your fancy.

]]>Mon, 11 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100What's that tape?http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/07/06/whats-that-tape
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/07/06/whats-that-tapeTwo years ago Nick Kyrgios pulled off a memorable upset against Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon. But it wasn’t just his big serve and powerful forehands that caught the eye of TV viewers. What appeared to the casual observer to be a tattoo on his right forearm, on closer inspection was actually something altogether less painful – Dynamic Tape.

While traditional kinesiology tape is designed to lift the skin and take pressure off injured areas, Dynamic Tape is designed to reduce load on injured body parts while still allowing full range of movement.

“The tape was designed to overcome some issues that we had and provide solutions for our clients,” explains inventor Dr Ryan Kendrick, an Australian muskoloskeletal physiotherapist who worked with Greg Rusedski later in his career. “We know that many problems occur as a result of too much load or the inability of the body to deal with the load.

“Kinesiology tapes have a similar elasticity and thickness to the skin. They are designed to lift the skin to create space to perhaps take pressure off painful structures or enhance circulation. We wanted to be able to apply something to the body to reduce that load either by absorbing some of it directly – working like a bungee cord – or by modifying the movement to indirectly reduce load. However, we needed to be able to do this in a way that did not restrict movement so that the player could perform all their usual skills.”

With its unique four-way stretch, Dynamic Tape can create up to 15 kilograms of resistance without limiting range of movement in all directions. The tape caught the eye of physio Stefan Duell, who has worked with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Alexander Zverev and the Serbian Davis Cup team.

“Dynamic Tape is very useful to help reduce the load when we are unable to do it in other ways such as rest or changing equipment,” says Duell. “This can help a player get through an important event with an injury. By acting like a little spring, it does some of the work each time they land, for example if it is on their calf or quadriceps. This reduces the work done by the body and over the course of a five-set match it might just help them to not fatigue as much and to recover a little quicker between matches.”

Kate Mahony was first introduced to Dynamic Tape when she was working as a physiotherapist for the Women’s Tennis Association. Now head women’s physiotherapist at the Australian Open, Mahony also works for Cricket Australia. “In the women's game Dynamic Tape has been used a lot for Achilles tendon issues to reduce load through the tendon,” says Mahony.

“Players are vulnerable to lower limb tendinopathies with the constant change in surface and therefore change in load through the Achilles tendon. Dynamic tape is useful to provide the 'bungee cord' effect and reduce the load through the achilles tendon."

Mahony has also used the tape for helping to improve technique as well as treating injury. “A hip spiral tape encourages external rotation of the hip, and therefore increased activation of the glutes, can help an athlete improve lower limb biomechanics and improve their lower limb power,” explains Mahony.

It is not just tennis players who have reaped the benefits of Dynamic Tape, which was launched in 2010 after several years of development. it is quite remarkable that the company, which is based on the tiny Pacific island of Vanuatu, has expanded rapidly and is now available in more than 25 countries worldwide, thanks predominantly to word-of-mouth endorsements.

Dynamic Tape is used by professional athletes on football fields, golf courses and tennis courts around the world, but what about for amateur players? “It could be useful when you know you will be playing more than usual,” suggests Duell. “Club players often visit the physio after a big tournament or the club championships where they’ve done more than their body is used to.

“A player might have a niggling achilles tendon or tennis elbow which can be managed if they play once or twice a week, because they have time to recover. But if they come out and play a big tournament with a couple of matches each day and over a few days the tendon is not adapting to handling that load it could flare up significantly.”

Kendrick, who recounts an example of how Dynamic Tape helped a player fully lift his heel for the first time 22 years after surgery to repair a ruptured achilles heel, stresses that application of the tape should be done, at least in the first instance, by a professional.

“The best way is to be shown the technique by a health care practitioner skilled in the application and who has assessed you to see what is required, applied the technique and evaluated its effectiveness in your situation,” says Kendrick. “Some simple techniques for fairly straightforward injuries like muscle tears or plantar fasciitis or to reduce load generally for some conditions like jumper’s knee can be found online.”

]]>Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100Sutton Tennis Academyhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/06/16/sutton-tennis-academy
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/06/16/sutton-tennis-academyIt is an LTA affiliated Performance Centre, offering a variety of flexible training programmes for many players including professional full time and junior players. It also offers Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programmes.

With increasing numbers of top level pro players and coaches opening academies in Europe, it is possible to overlook an academy in the UK that offers players of many levels an opportunity to develop their talent. Since Sutton Tennis Academy opened its doors over twenty years ago, the facility has been part of the tennis journey of some of Britain’s best players, as well as a workplace for some of Britain’s burgeoning army of successful coaches, physios, and strength and conditioning professionals.

Sutton Tennis Academy offers a range of services to support players’ individual requirements. Services include physiotherapy, sports psychology, player and athlete support, nutritional advice, personal training, UK and US university preparation, player/parent advice and a travelling coach service.

Owner Keith Sohl and son James, who is the General Manager, have built a team who offer quality tennis development and training to a wide variety of players. It is possible to train at STA for two days, two months or 12 years. The coaching team is passionate about the journeys of their players - be it a player like 20-year-old Japanese born Lily Miyazaki (WTA career high 695) who trained at Sutton from the age of nine to 18, or Lawrence Perrin, who will shortly leave the academy for university in the USA having completed 10 years at the academy. Perrin started at Sutton aged eight, became a national U18 player and ITF ranked. Between five and 10 players each year leave the academy to take up American university scholarships.

Head coach Shaun Malcolm was a junior national player and spent four years training as part of the Scottish national squad under Judy Murray. Following the successful completion of a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University and a Masters degree in sports psychology, Shaun has been at Sutton in a coaching capacity for 10 years. He oversees the 15 full and part time coaches as well as the sports psychology and strength and conditioning coaches that form part of the additional 10-strong team who help with the player development.

"One of my philosophies at the start was to put the players mental attitude at the forefront of what we do," says Shaun, who works closely with his team to develop the player skills that are core to the sport of tennis. "From there technical, tactical and physical improvements can be made." Lerissa Graham is the academy’s Head of Sports Psychology.

Newly appointed Tennis Manager Mhari Neish also heralds from north of the border. Mhari was a performance player at STA. “We are very successful, and I am excited to be a part of that team,” said Mhari, who trained at Sutton between 2002 and 2004 with a 15-strong group of girls. This was also at the time Tennis Australia used Sutton as their European training base, between 2002 and 2008. Casey Dellacqua, Sam Stosur Chris Guccione and Paul Hanley spent time on the courts alongside Mahri.

Mhari’s first trainer when she player a Sutton was Matt Little, now strength and conditioning coach to world No.2 Andy Murray. Other names in British tennis who have a Sutton Tennis connection are Johanna Konta (now British No. 1 and World No.18) who trained at Sutton for a year early in her career. Davis Cup winner Dom Inglot (and current doubles world No.32) trained at Sutton for four years.

Keith Sohl points out that the Academy has connections to three others successful British Davis Cup squad members– Nick Weal was both a player and coach for seven years, Mark Bender set up the physiotherapy practice and Little was a fitness instructor and personal trainer at STA. Another British coach and former regular at STA is Iain Hughes who, alongside Justine Henin now coaches Top 20 player, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.

Players combine their education at nearby Cheam High School and youngsters and older performance players all train together as a team. “We want to try to create opportunities for as many players as possible – to lift the standard,” explains Head of Performance Jamie Feaver, 29, who reached No.650 in the ATP rankings. “I have enjoyed the team environment where whether you are younger or older we train together – it is an individual sport created in a healthy team environment.”

Training programmes can be tailored for individual players, and it costs about £6,500 a year to train at Sutton Tennis Academy. If you are a player or a parent looking for a convenient UK base, you may want to tap into the passionate team in Sutton.

]]>Thu, 16 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100In transitionhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/06/14/in-transition
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/06/14/in-transition"I always thought the transition from juniors to seniors is one of the toughest things to do,” said Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian turned professional in 2008 after winning two junior Grand Slams and topping the ITF junior world rankings, but it was another five years before he won his first title on the ATP World Tour.

Research shows that 50 per cent of players with a top 10 junior ranking go on to break into the ATP and WTA top 100, but with an average age of 25.2 in the WTA top 100 and 27.4 in the top 100 men, it takes time to adjust to life on the pro circuit and players cannot expect overnight success.

The professional circuit often requires players to travel further and includes new physical and psychological challenges, which takes time to adapt to, and many players will struggle initially. Even the most successful professionals needed time to develop their game style and adjust to the demands of the tour. The more experience a player has playing in this environment, the quicker they will develop coping skills and new strategies to improve.

It is important not to rush the process and the transition is an important part of a player’s development. The ITF junior circuit is the ideal pathway for aspiring professionals to follow and an opportunity to gauge their standard against other international players. The circuit is a good indicator of whether a player is prepared for the transition and a top 20 junior ranking should be the primary goal.

The age eligibility rules determine how many professional tournaments girls aged 14 to 18 can play. These rules are in place to ensure players take a controlled approach to playing on the professional circuit. Playing too early and experiencing negative results can damage a player’s confidence and can lead to a loss of motivation and enthusiasm.

A structured training and tournament schedule gives players the best opportunity to perform well at pre-determined times of the year. Periodisation is important at all levels, but particularly important during the transition from junior to professional tennis. A training plan, divided into phases with specific objectives, can help to prevent a player getting stale, injury and burnout.

There are four key components of a skilled tennis performance: technical, tactical, physical and mental. All aspects of training reflect one or a combination of these areas in order for a player to develop as a well-rounded athlete and competitor.

Technical
By the time a player transitions to professional events it is rare for them to have technical weaknesses in any of the main strokes. it is important to ensure technique is sound and not likely to cause injury. Flexibility is key: players must be able to handle every type of ball hit by the opponent and deal with any combination of direction, height, spin and speed.

Tactical
A game style cannot simply be based on a player’s own strengths; it is important to adapt to external variables such as court surface and weather as well as being able to formulate a game plan to combat an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

Physical
Frequent physical testing can help identify areas of weakness where improvement is necessary. Physical conditioning should be maintained throughout the year, even during tournaments, but tailored appropriately in order for players to remain injury free and maintain a high level of performance over long periods of time.

Mental
Having clearly defined goals will allow players to remain focused and motivated. all goals should be set with a time frame so results can be measured and players can see their progress even on a daily basis to keep morale high. this will allow players to approach one match at a time and manage expectations.

Information edited by Miguel Crespo and Abbie Probert. Tennis iCoach is the official coaching platform from the International Tennis Federation. It is an online coach education resource offering tennis-specific sport science content on technique, tactics, psychology, biomechanics, sports medicine and coaching methodology. tennisicoach.com

Playsight’s SmartCourt technology uses five High Definition cameras positioned around the court to automatically tag all the events that take place during a session, whether training or a match, and provide analysis without the need for wearable sensors or court-side operators.

Players can then watch selected events, such as every cross-court forehand that went wide, with no need to watch the whole video. PlaySight also logs information such as height of the balls over the net, ball speed and the depth of balls hit within the court.

PlaySight has already been installed on all training courts at the four Grand Slam venues as well as at the Queen's Club and Stoke Park in the UK, and now Juan Carlos Ferrero’s academy has followed suit.

“This leading technology allows a player to improve their strokes more quickly thanks to instantaneous, personalised information made readily available at one’s finger tips,” said Antonio Cascales, Ferrero’s long-time coach and co-founder of the academy.

“We’ve installed these smart courts with a clear objective in mind; to foster continuous player development mediated through an elite, game-changing technology used by the professionals.”

Former world No.1 Ferrero believes the technology will help players take more responsibility for their own development.

“The target objectives of the exercises are defined much more visually,” he explained. “The machine tells you when you have successfully met your objectives, it even commends you with applause. It makes players more aware of how they play, they can see their mistakes and learn how to improve along with their coaches. It would have been much better to have this technology available [in my day].

“With this technology, we can now present to whatever class of player whether it be child, adult, or professional, the opportunity to go home with a new and unique experience. An analysis of their game can be readily accessed 24/7 at the touch of a button through their mobile phones.”

“If you can get through a session like this,” says Roxanne Sammel, “it gives you confidence on court that you have that extra bit in the fuel tank.”

Walk in and out of a plank

Start from standing and place hands on the floor. Walk your feet out backwards into a plank position, keeping your legs straight. Arms can be straight, or for an easier version take your elbows to the ground. Hold the position and then walk back to standing. Repeat for 30 seconds.

Benefit: Builds core, arm and leg strength

Lateral lunge

Start with your feet together in a standing position. Lunge out to the left side, squeezing your glutes. Keep low and hold the lunge. Squeeze the glutes and step back to the centre. Repeat on the other side, alternating for 30 seconds.

Benefit: Works on posture, strengthens the glutes and quadriceps

Burpee

Start from a standing position and jump up before crouching, placing both hands on the ground and shifting both feet back into a plank position. Bring legs back forward and jump back up. Repeat as many times as possible in 30 seconds.

Benefit: Cardio exercise and builds explosive strength

Plank with a twist

Start in a plank position with arms straight. Take your left arm up, twist and look up to the sky. Bring the hand down. Twist with the right arm up to the sky and look up. Bring the left hand down. Be sure to keep the hips as square as possible.

Start in a press-up position with your hands close together. Move your right arm out to the side, perform a press up. Bring your right arm back to the middle. Move left arm out to the side and repeat on the other side. Keep going for 30 seconds.

Benefit: Works the core, triceps and chest muscles

Crab walks

Start in a squat position and keep knees at right angles throughout the exercise. Walk sideways to your left for 10 steps and then 10 steps to the right. Keep going for 30 seconds. You can make this exercise harder by placing an elastic resistance band around your knees or ankles.

Benefit: Fires the glutes

Ski jump

Choose a space about as wide as a tramline on a tennis court. Stand on the left and then hop to the other side. Hold the position on your right foot on the other side and touch your right knee with your left hand.

Repeat on the left.

Benefit: Balance, power, stability, explosive movement

Step up

From standing, lunge back with your left leg, keeping the torso upright. Lift your left leg up onto the step (keeping your knee behind your toes), and drive the opposite leg through and lift the knee up. Repeat on the other side. Keep going for 30 seconds

Benefit: Quad strength, glutes and balance

Running side to side

Create a gap to run between that is about 10 paces wide. Run between the markers, using side steps, ensuring you touch the marker at each side. Make sure you push off strongly at each change of direction.

Benefit: Agility and change of direction

Quick step

Using a bench or the first or second step, step up and back as many times as you can in 30 seconds. The purpose is to raise your heart rate after resistance exercise and to work on your cardiovascular system.

]]>Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100Building an Athlete’s Mindhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/05/23/building-an-athletes-mind
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/05/23/building-an-athletes-mind“What I have found over the years is that people link belief with confidence and it is really important to separate the two,” says coach and author David Sammel. “If you look at top performers if they are performing badly they can go for two months without winning anything, and then suddenly they bounce back and do something amazing again. Often that is because they have not linked belief and confidence.

"In other words, they know they belong at a certain level. Their belief is like a solid wall, a foundation that is solid. Confidence is like sand that blows in and out on top of this wall of belief. When they lose confidence it is the equivalent of the sand being blown away, but they know as soon as they get confident again and the sand is back, they will do well again.”

In his book Locker Room Power, Dave offers tools to uncouple the two. At the core of this is, he says "Set goals from the heart. Generally what I have found is there are natural targets and the thing about these natural targets is that they may seem like the right targets but the person may not really believe that they can attain that target."

"If someone is 220 in the world, the natural target is 200, but they might have come from 300 and in their heart of hearts, all they want to do for the moment is maintain 220. It’s very hard to go out into the world and say I want to consolidate at 220. Progress is not linear both in game and mind. I encourage people to set goals from the heart, goals that they absolutely know they can achieve.

"If you set a goal that you cannot achieve that does not grow trust in your work and if you want to build that trust and belief in yourself then you need a set of targets that you definitely will achieve. It’s amazing when people set targets from the heart; they invariably achieve them because they are committed. Confidence grows with the success."

“Sam has been injured for over eighteen months. She has had wrist surgery and it’s been a really long road back. I have talked to her about knowing the level at which she belongs. Initially coming back we have set smaller targets she really believes she can achieve over the next three months.

As a player you can’t come back from injury having been ranked 165 in the world and play $10k events if in the first couple you lose second round and start thinking, 'I can’t even beat these people'.

So I asked Sam, “what would you like to achieve in the first three tournaments? “ and she said ‘a ranking’. So three second rounds would have done just fine. As it happens she went quarter-final, finals, semis but some of that is attributable to the fact that she was not putting ridiculous pressure on herself to perform immediately at the level she knows she can perform.

Now she has achieved that we can set the next target. At some point we will look at using her protected ranking (258) but not until she is totally comfortable and knows in her heart that she is ready to play Challenger events."

]]>Mon, 23 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100'It's just like one big family'http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/05/11/its-just-like-one-big-family
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/05/11/its-just-like-one-big-family“I was playing at a club in Essex but I moved to Spain because it was the best option for me,” explains Eleanor Baglow, 14, who started training at the academy last year.

“My parents were looking on the internet and they found a few academies. We went to try them out but this one was the best one for me. We saw that James Ward played here. We came here for two weeks and it was the most professional and there was a real focus on fitness - they don’t just focus their training on the tennis.

“This academy is right for some people and obviously not right for others. For most people it is a good academy and for me it is the best academy in the world.”

Under the guidance of her Portuguese coach Miguel Fragoso and assistant Juan Carlos Ovando (Kiloto), Eleanor has also worked with fitness coach Alberto Lledo to improve her fitness as well as benefitting from the expertise of physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno.

“My tennis has improved. I’m much more consistent, and I’m much smarter,” says Eleanor. “My fitness has also improved. I’m getting around the court faster and after long points my stamina has improved a lot. Also on the mental side I don’t get as nervous before matches as I used to and I’m enjoying the matches more.

“The facilities here are really good. They have everything here. The coaches are very professional they treat you like professionals and they teach you how to be professional inside and outside the court.”

While Eleanor lives with her mum in a nearby town, a 15-minute drive from the academy, her father works in Switzerland.

“I don’t miss the UK but I miss my family and friends who live there,” she says. “My home is Spain now. I don’t see my dad as much as I used to but I speak to him most days. He is very important in my tennis life. He wants to know everything about my day – he is very supportive. He understands me.”

Eleanor has been studying Spanish alongside her schoolwork, which she juggles alongside her training.

“I am at the academy every day but Tuesday afternoon I have off for school. I do Tuesday afternoon and the weekend unless I have a tournament and then the tournament comes first and the schoolwork after. I have two Spanish lessons a week with a Spanish teacher here and my Spanish is improving a lot.”

“I have many friends at the academy from all over the world. It’s just like one big family really. Juan Carlos [Ferrero] is here most days, I normally see him in the gym. He always says hello.”

“She is so motivated every day,” explains Eleanor. “She knows what she wants. She wants to be a professional and she will do anything to be a professional. She is an inspiration to the younger kids at the academy.

“I want to be a professional. I want to give it 100%. At the end of the day I am here because I love tennis, I want to come here and I love coming here every day, doing my best and going home and telling my mum that I did my best. I don’t want to go home not having tried my best."

]]>Wed, 11 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100Reinventing the Rackethttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/05/02/reinventing-the-racket
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/05/02/reinventing-the-racket“Reinventing the Racket”, is designed "to show people that rackets are not boring", according to its curator Matthew Glaze, who is the museum’s Collections Development Officer. And it achieves that aim in style by showcasing not only the progression in racket design, but also some of the weird and wonderful rackets that have emerged from the struggle to get ahead of the competition.

It all started in the mid-1870s (approximately 1875) when Major Walter C. Wingfield made a solid wood racket that sold well in major locations around the world such as Russia and China. An example is on display in the exhibition, so visitors can see that it had a much smaller head and a much longer handle than modern rackets.

A flood of competing efforts soon emerged, and the first wall of the exhibition displays examples of rackets with bent heads or symmetrical heads and strings made of either gut, metal or twine. It is fascinating to see how these early rackets looked, and it gives a great insight into the concept behind racket design. It shows that the creators were already searching for the ideal head size and shape, the perfect grip (they even tried sheepskin) and the right material to use for the strings.

After most of the manufacturers eventually settled on a symmetrical head, they turned their attention to handle design, and in the first quarter of the 20th century a variety of styles were available to players. The most popular designs were the classic (similar to modern day) and the Demon, which had its wood shaped into a fishtail at the bottom end. Fine examples of both are on display in the exhibition, along with bulbous, barrel and button handles. It is unclear whether handle design made any discernible difference to their user’s playing standard, other than in terms of weight distribution, so the varieties may owe their existence largely to aesthetic preferences.

The late 19th century and the early 20th century also spawned a few of the earliest incarnations of metal rackets, but they were all too prone to rust and proved unsuccessful. In 1965, after the post-war switch from handmade to machine-made rackets, Rene Lacoste changed all of that when he created a metal racket with an almost-perfectly-round head and a trampoline stringing method – and his superb creation is on display in the exhibition. Lacoste’s innovation inspired Billie Jean King to use a metal racket from 1970 onwards, but many top players of the time still preferred to use wooden rackets.

As well as charting the history of the racket, the exhibition showcases marketing posters and some of the most ornate rackets ever made, many of which incorporated elegantly-laminated wood (different pieces of wood stuck together to create a stronger frame), colourful lines and finely-detailed handles. Some even had pictures and signatures of the major players who used them. Glaze said he was keen for people to see ‘how beautiful they are’.

The exhibition also displays rackets involved in the Slazenger & Sons v Feltham & Co court cases. In 1888, Slazenger took Feltham to court for infringement of trademark when Feltham made a very similar racket to Slazenger’s Demon design and named it Demotic. Slazenger won the case, but Feltham appealed the ruling, and in 1889 the court decided that Feltham could continue to sell their similar rackets provided they remove the word Demotic from them.

And then there were the bizarre rackets. In one particularly interesting corner of the exhibition, there is one racket with a bent, ergonomic grip, one with a supposedly “indestructible” plastic coating, one with adjustable tension strings and one with a double layer of strings designed to increase power. To top it all off, there is the Pirelli shock-absorber racket, which remains the most-expensive racket ever-created at £750 recommended retail price.

After the wood, the metal and the bizarre, graphite rackets emerged in 1978 as the superior iteration. They are lighter, five times stronger than aluminium rackets and thirty times stronger than wooden rackets. And they have arguably rendered modern-day rackets a bit boring, as there do not seem to be many improvements that can still be made to the design of the racket. Manufactures will still try, of course, as the connected technology Babolat racket on show here demonstrates.

In all, there are 87 rackets on display in this superb exhibition, with two borrowed and the rest taken from the All England Club’s collection of 900 rackets. And curator Glaze does not need to worry: they are certainly not boring. In fact, the chances are that visitors to the exhibition will be much more interested in the tennis racket and its history when they leave than they were before they arrived, particularly if the planned ‘making of’ display, which will show the processes for making wooden and metal rackets, is added.

]]>Mon, 02 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100Get smart with your post-exercise nutritionhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/28/get-smart-with-your-post-exercise-nutrition
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/28/get-smart-with-your-post-exercise-nutritionBetween one and four hours of exhaustive exercise leaves the body depleted of energy reserves and if you want to perform at your best, the process of restoring the body starts immediately.

When provided with the correct fuel, the body is extremely efficient at storing energy. We have glycogen stores in the liver and skeletal muscles; liver glycogen stores are mainly used to fuel the brain - to keep cognitive processes firing, while muscle glycogen provides the fuel the body needs to keep moving.

Maintaining these glycogen stores is key to supporting the recovery process and the vital ingredient is carbohydrate. Evidence shows that exercised muscles are more receptive to delivery and absorption of nutrients, so the timing of glycogen replenishment is key. During the two-hour window after exercise muscles are more sensitive to insulin, meaning that sugars from carbohydrate can be absorbed at a faster rate. But if carbohydrate consumption is delayed by two hours, the rate of muscle glycogen synthesis can decrease by as much as 50%.

Different carbohydrates have different effects on insulin and therefore sugar uptake. Fructose, although a simple carbohydrate, is not as effective as glucose or sucrose. This doesn’t mean you can’t snack on a banana post-exercise, but it won’t be enough if you’ve got to recover quickly for another match or training session.

So what about protein? Studies show that including protein with the carbohydrate recovery food speeds up glycogen replenishment by increasing the uptake of sugar. For an optimal postexercise snack, look for options such as chocolate milk, a couple of portions of fruit with milk or drinking yoghurt, a handful of nuts and dried fruit, a jacket potato with tuna, or a sandwich with a protein filling such as cheese, tuna, peanut butter or egg. For main meals, high or medium GI foods including rice, pasta or potato with a healthy serving of vegetables and a serving of lean meat or fish is optimal.

Protein shakes are a convenient source of protein to help muscles during the rebuilding process. Muscle tissue is damaged during exercise, and needs to repair – which is why you feel achy in the days after a heavy workout (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Sports supplementscan help muscle to rebuild after exercise involves by delivering good quality protein that can be quickly absorbed and utilised to limit damage and speed recovery.

Due to absorption limitations, the first two hours may be best suited to easily absorbable replacements, such as sports drinks. These fluids will also help with rehydration and provide carbohydrate, proteins and electrolytes that are easily absorbed.

]]>Thu, 28 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0100Juan Carlos Ferrero Academyhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/26/juan-carlos-ferrero-academy
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/26/juan-carlos-ferrero-academyThat relentless pursuit of excellence, attention to detail as well as sportsmanship and hard graft are values that helped Ferrero become world No.1 and are the principles behind the philosophy at the heart of his academy.

While many of his peers can still be seen on the professional circuit as TV commentators and coaching on the professional tour, former world No.1 Ferrero is content to stay closer to home.

So close in fact, that he lives on site at the academy in Spain that bears his name. The JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy in Villena is the training base for world No.49 Pablo Carreno Busta as well as a host of promising young juniors players from across Europe.

Not even Rafael Nadal can boast that an academy was set up for his own benefit, but Equelite was built in 1995 by Ferrero’s coach Antonio Martinez Cascales to provide training facilities for Ferrero and other local juniors.

In those days, it was just a handful of tennis courts, but thanks to Ferrero, who invested in the academy while he was still on tour, it is now a world-class academy that boasts some of the best facilities for current professionals and aspiring juniors alike.

Under the guidance of Martinez, co-founder Samuel Lopez and Ferrero, 50 full-time aspiring professionals aged 13 to 18 benefit from the experience of the former French Open champion as they hope to follow in his footsteps from Villena to Grand Slam glory.

“Humility and hard work,” says Ferrero, who lifted the Davis Cup with Spain on three occasions. “That's the only key.”

Ferrero, who won 16 ATP titles and spent eight weeks at world No.1 after winning the French Open in 2003, has a very hand-on approach. The 36-year-old lives at the academy and gets out on court most days.

“I live here and I take breakfast everyday here,” he explains. “I´m on the courts a lot of the time. When I can I´m always glad to help our players who want to improve.”

Situated 30 minutes’ drive from Alicante an one hour from Valencia, the academy also offers summer programmes and opens its doors to other players to train for shorter periods of time. The summer camps are open to players aged eight to 16. The youngsters stay on-site and benefit from the technical, physical and medical expertise available to the full-time athletes.

]]>Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0100Spotlight on Draycotthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/26/spotlight-on-draycott
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/26/spotlight-on-draycottEstablished in 1972, the club, part of a larger sports centre, is owned by its members and boasts a gym, two indoor and six outdoor tennis courts, squash and badminton courts, as well as a function room for social events.

Recent reason for celebration came when they received a £27,000 loan from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), money to be invested in refurbishing two of their outdoor courts, representing further improvements after two new astroturf courts were opened earlier this year.

The club has quickly become the county's shining beacon of tennis. From tots tennis to adult sessions, the club caters for all ages and the presence of the indoor courts has contributed significantly according to Draycott’s Head Coach, Craig Leese.

“We have 15 groups running, across all age ranges," he said. "The fact we have the indoor courts allows us to keep going all year round and we have a steady group of kids coming through, who are the future of tennis, so it’s encouraging.”

Leese, an LTA Registered Performance Coach, is part of a trio of coaches who are responsible for the sessions put on by the club, which like many, coincides lessons with the local school schedule.

“The adults tend to continue throughout the year because they’re working during the week, but we work parallel to the school term, so the junior sessions are in blocks of six or seven weeks and then we run summer camps in the holidays.”

The importance of summer camps are not to be underestimated. Taking advantage of the stereotypical Wimbledon rush is obvious, yet vital. Over the fortnight at the All England Club, Brits around the country are inspired to go out and pick up a racket. Increasing participation is one of the LTA’s main objectives and summer activities at Draycott not only offer a chance for children to play tennis, but deliver a fusion of sports to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

“The sports camps are popular. I think it is a combination of the kids getting bored in the holidays and the parents working. We run them as multi-sports camps, so they like how they can take part in a variety of sports which has led to increased interest,” said Leese.

Another figurehead at the club is the LTA’s Head of Competition, Keith Carder, who, on a voluntary basis, combines his duties at the governing body with the role of club chairman at Draycott, leading the club on what is proving to be a fruitful path. These camps fulfil an aspect of his forward-thinking plans.

“Our focus at Draycott is to increase participation in both tennis and other activities and grow our membership base and income levels so we can continue to improve our facilities,” explains Carder.

Growth is key for any club and Draycott continues to do so year-on-year. However, their elite players flew the flag in April, in a competition where they were up against Britain’s finest.

The National Indoor Premier League Finals were held in Leeds, a club competition which has attracted the likes of ATP doubles world No.1 Jamie Murray in the past. The finals see the country’s top 16 clubs fight it out for the title.

Following their progression from the group stages, Draycott were put in a finals group with Queen's Club and Graves Tennis Club, Sheffield. Defeat to Queen's and a win over Graves was not enough to see the Staffordshire squad through - a team made up of Leese, Andy Cresswell, 44, Draycott Tennis Director Jack Redfern, 19-year-old coach Ryan Hallam and world ranking hopeful Elliott Farmer, 18.

Captain Leese was pleased with his players when taking into account the opposition faced: “To win one and lose the other was a pretty good result considering the quality of the players we were coming up against,” the skipper enthused.

“We came up against players like David Sherwood at Sheffield, who once played Davis Cup doubles with Andy Murray, so to come out with the results we did was positive.”

Competing at that level is a testament to the work done in Staffordshire as Draycott now recognised as one of the country’s elite clubs after putting in a performance that Leese can proudly attribute to home-grown talent.

“The Draycott team were Draycott players and members, whereas some teams draft in players because there are no specific ‘members only’ rules. So it is a pretty good achievement for a small club in comparison to the likes of Edgbaston [Priory Club] and Queen's.”

As he watches on from above, chairman Carder can only sing the praises of a team who have surpassed previously expectations. “We are very lucky to have a strong men’s first team, led by Craig Leese and top junior prospect Elliot Farmer, who is regularly playing British Tour events and recently had some wins over world ranked player," said Carder. “It very pleasing to see Elliot doing well individually too, as it is very tough to compete at such a high level.”

The elite success has propelled Draycott’s name up the ranks in Staffordshire sport and as a part of the Davis Cup Legacy run by the LTA, a scheme which will kick-start in June, kids will be given a free racket and offered the chance to take up the sport.

“The new courts are a massive help, and along with our solid coaching programme, it is going quite well at the moment,” Leese stated modestly.

If this is ‘quite well’, then expect to see further stories of this ‘small club’ from the suburbs of Stoke-on-Trent.

]]>Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0100The ultimate tennis playerhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/07/the-ultimate-tennis-player
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/04/07/the-ultimate-tennis-playerIt’s a game that tennis fans around the world love to play. If you could construct the perfect player, whose forehand would you choose? Whose backhand, whose serve, whose volleys? The editor asked me to play the game for this issue, so here is my verdict on the modern game’s perfect male player.

The April 2016 digital issue of tennishead is out now and available to download for free from Google Play and at the App Store.

The forehand
In assessing the best forehand I find it hard to choose between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. On their recent form I might be tempted to choose Roger’s, but when they are both playing at their best I would go for Rafa’s. His “lasso” forehand, with his follow- through going over his head rather than over the shoulder, is unique. I’ve never seen anyone hit a shot like it. The way Rafa hits his forehand puts heavy topspin on the ball. That in turn makes the ball bounce really high after it hits the court surface, pushing the opponent out of the court and enabling Rafa to dominate the point. When he was at his best you always thought that if Rafa could just hit one forehand in a rally he would win the point. Even if the opponent could get the ball back he would be in so much trouble that he would have no chance to recover. Rafa’s inside-out forehand cross-court, when he runs around his backhand and hits the ball wide to his opponent’s forehand, is incredible. He also finds amazing angles. I recently watched again his 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger. The angles of his forehands were insane.

To find out whose backhand Mouratoglou favours, and who he thinks has the best drop shot, lob and mental strength, download the April 2016 digital issue of tennishead on your smartphone or tablet.

Download it now on your Apple or Android device – search “tennishead” in the App Store or in Google Play.Oh, and did we mention it’s free?

]]>Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0100Life in the fast lanehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/03/18/life-in-the-fast-lane
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/03/18/life-in-the-fast-laneTennis should decide what it thinks about coaching. Is it an integral part of our sport or not? Have the Davis Cup and Fed Cup got it right, with coaches sitting on the court throughout matches? Or is the Women’s Tennis Association system better, with coaches allowed to come on court during a changeover just once per set? Or how about the Grand Slams and the men’s tour, where no coaching whatsoever is allowed during matches?

It is absurd that the different competitions in our sport have such contrasting rules. I would be in favour of everyone following the Davis Cup and Fed Cup. I think having coaches on court is a great way of broadening the appeal of tennis for television viewers. At WTA events the coaches wear microphones, so viewers can hear what we say when we go on court to talk to our players. It gives viewers a great insight and helps them understand the game better as they hear the tactical and technical advice we relay to our players.

Watching the interaction between coaches and players also gives viewers a better understanding of the psychological side of tennis. They see how angry or stressed or even how fearful players can become. Viewers see the real player – the one who is in trouble or under stress out on the court – rather than the polished performer who turns up at press conferences.

]]>Fri, 18 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000Breaking the bankhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/02/04/breaking-the-bank
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/02/04/breaking-the-bankIn prize money alone, Novak Djokovic pocketed more than $21 million in 2015. And let’s not forget his lucrative endorsement deals with ANZ, Peugeot, Seiko, Jacob’s Creek and HEAD. In August, Forbes Magazine rated Djokovic as the 13th highest-paid athlete in the world, estimating that his off-court earnings in 2014 hit a cool $31 million.

But while the bank balances of the likes of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova are topped up even while they’re asleep, it couldn’t be further from the reality for the majority of professional tennis players.

Britain’s Dan Evans, well known among British tennis fans for his occasional Davis Cup heroics, ends the season ranked No.183 in the world and with prize money totalling $47,913. With career wins over players such as Kei Nishikori, Bernard Tomic and Philipp Kohlschreiber, the former world No.123 has been one of Britain’s more successful players since turning pro in 2006.

Evans, who won his first title in six years at the ATP Challenger event in Knoxville, USA, in November, collected $7,200 after beating American teenager Frances Tiafoe in the final. While his career prize money of $490,353 might sound like a higher-than-average salary for a decade’s work, the life of a tennis player is a nomadic one with high outgoings for travel, accommodation and other expenses.

The International Tennis Federation’s Pro Circuit Review, published in December last year, calculated players’ expenses to total $38,800 for male players and $40,180 for female players. Despite a combined prize money pool of approximately $282 million, the report found that the top one per cent (the top 50 men and top 26 women) earned more than half of that total prize pot. In fact, in 2013, only 3.7% of men and 5.2% of women made a profit from traveling on the professional circuit.

“There was only one tournament where I walked away with more than my expenses,” says Nicola Slater, who reached a career-high doubles ranking of No.167 in 2013. “And that was at Wimbledon in 2013. I have won six [ITF] doubles titles, among those a $75k and two $50k events, but expenses outweighed winnings. I didn’t play $10k events, firstly because winning it wouldn't give me enough points to move up even one spot in the rankings and, secondly, because the winners got $250 for doubles.”

The eldest of five children, Slater took on five jobs during her final year at school to fund a summer of tournaments, which ultimately earned her a tennis scholarship at the University of Southern Mississippi. The 31-year-old has been based in the US ever since, and after transferring to Florida State University, she graduated and turned semi-professional, earning money as a coach to subsidise her life on tour. However, the hours spent on court looking after her bank account came at a cost.

“When I was coaching all those hours I naturally wasn’t preparing and training correctly or resting the way I needed to,” said Slater, who was coached by Judy Murray as a junior. “Four torn ligaments in my ankle sent me to hospital and cost me all the money I’d saved up in 2009. Then knee surgery cost me everything I’d saved in 2012.”

In 2013 Slater went all in; she quit coaching and within a matter of months had climbed more than 700 places in the world rankings, winning a $75k ITF event in Nottingham and earning a wildcard for Wimbledon with Lisa Whybourn. Although they lost in the first round to French pair Alize Cornet and Pauline Parmentier, it was Slater’s biggest payday, collecting just under £4,000. That money was enough to pay her way on tour for three months, but she explains that controlling costs is a delicate balancing act.

“To keep costs down I stayed with host families as much as possible,” she recalls. “In the States, I would drive from tournament to tournament as much as possible, which was not ideal since a nine or ten-hour drive is rather exhausting. I’ve done 13-hour bus trips, stupidly alone one time in Mexico where I had a layover for two hours in Mexico City, something I didn’t realise was extremely dangerous until afterwards. I’d stay in bad areas because it was where the cheaper hotels were. I’d end up sleeping in my clothes and shower at the club because the hotels were undesirable when you try to keep costs down.

“I’d eat at cheaper places which meant food wasn't as healthy or good quality. As I got older though I ended up paying extra for those things because I realised it is important towards your success and although it costs more, it would help performance and in turn get me further in rounds and pay off that way.”

This year Slater turned to Pledge Sports – a crowdfunding platform that has helped tennis players from Europe, the US and Africa raise more than £60,000 – to finance one final spell on tour. Through donations from friends, family and total strangers Slater raised $5,300 which helped keep her on tour for nearly two months, during which time she reached the final of the Aegon Trophy in Surbiton with Tara Moore and played in the Wimbledon qualifying event, which proved to be her final match as a professional.

“I am done playing,” says Slater, who is now the director of College Smart, helping international players find tennis scholarships in the States as well as coaching 16-year-old American Taylor Bridges. “I didn’t have the money to continue and far too much credit card debt. I have no regrets but if I had the chance to change anything I would have given up coaching sooner. I’m not sure how I would have funded myself but coaching was a catch-22 situation.

“If crowdfunding had been around earlier in my career that would’ve made a big difference. I think if I’d been younger, people would have been more willing to help; it doesn’t look good when you're 30. I think when you’re 15 people are more interested. As a doubles player at 30 I think I still had another 10 or 15 years, but it's a tough sell.

“If someone said, ‘Here’s $150,000 to try and make it,’ I would absolutely go for it. I know I have the tools, it’s just the money. But I’ve learned my lessons and hopefully I can put them to good use to help others.”

]]>Thu, 04 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000Brain Game: The Forced Errorhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/01/05/brain-game-the-forced-error
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2016/01/05/brain-game-the-forced-errorThe most important statistic in tennis is the one you never see. It’s what you try to do during every point, but you never really know just how effective you are at achieving it. It’s your primary goal, but it’s never recorded.

Look at any stat sheet from any match anywhere in the world – it’s invisible, but it’s the driving force behind every serve, every groundstroke and every volley. Tennis only records two ways a point ends – a winner, or an unforced error. The glaring omission is the third way a point ends – indeed more points end this way than either of the other two. The stat that absolutely, positively matters the most in tennis is the “forced error”.

Forcing errors means making your opponent uncomfortable, making them miss their shot because of something special you did to make them miss. In the men’s draw at the 2015 Australian Open, 70% (20,226) of points were errors (forced and unforced), and 30% (8,622) were winners. Forced errors were not recorded, but it’s easy to figure out by looking at total points, and subtracting winners and unforced errors. As it turns out, forced errors accounted for 42% (12,104) of all points, and unforced errors only accounted for 28% (8,122) of total points.

That means there were almost 50% more forced errors than unforced errors, and 40% more forced errors than winners. So if forcing an error is so important, how do you do it? There are eight ways to force an error, and they are found by looking at the court, the ball, the player, and a watch.

1 ConsistencyThink of players like David Ferrer and Lleyton Hewitt. These guys are simply not going to miss. They were born with ridiculous shot tolerance. You know they are not going to miss, and they force you to go for something you shouldn’t – and you miss.

2 DirectionLet’s start cutting the court up, and begin with left and right. The ability to hit the ball where the opponent isn’t, or where they have just been, is a real strength. This takes into account targeting a weaker side, and also breaking down an opponent’s legs and lungs with side-to-side, lactic acid torture.

3 DepthImagine a line half-way between the service line and the baseline. Any ball that lands past that line is considered deep, jumping sharply at someone standing around the baseline, pushing them back to a part of
the court they can’t hurt you from. Depth also includes hitting short, such as drop shots.

4 HeightA great example here is Rafael Nadal working the ball up high to Roger Federer’s one-handed backhand, so he makes contact up around his shoulders. Height is really high, and it’s also really low. Very few players like a high ball, or a low ball.

]]>Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000Opportunity knockshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/12/19/opportunity-knocks
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/12/19/opportunity-knocksEvery December, kids from all over the world descend on Florida for two of the biggest events in the junior calendar: the Eddie Herr International Tennis Championships and the Orange Bowl.

For many juniors it will be their first taste of international competition. The list of past champions includes Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova and Marcelo Rios.

The IMG Academy in Bradenton, which hosts the Eddie Herr event, is a huge facility but with eight age groups and 64-player draws there are more than 2,000 kids, as well as parents, coaches, scouts and agents. It feels very crowded.

Even for the under-12 age group there is a 128-player draw in qualifying. The main draw has 64 players but there are 128 kids trying to get one of eight qualifying places – that means that they have to win four matches just to get into the main draw. It’s crazy.

All the brands are there such as the racket and clothing manufacturers. For talent scouts, like me, there is a rivalry because we all want to sign the best players, but we still talk to each other – at least I do! There are plenty of agents as well – those who already represent players and some looking to sign new prospects.

Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl are an opportunity for junior players to make a billboard out of themselves, especially the younger ones. Most of the U18s and U16s are already known in the industry because they will have been playing the circuit but, for me, the more interesting age groups are the U14s and younger.

While it is a big opportunity for these kids it is also a big investment for their parents. It is a long way to travel from Europe and Asia and it is a very expensive trip, with no prize money on offer. For the U14s and younger, there is a week’s gap between Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl. There’s no point flying home, so players need to find somewhere to stay and a base wherethey can practise.

I have learned that it is important not to judge a player on the basis of one match, however. In 2013 I watched Alexander Zverev lose in the first round at Eddie Herr but the following week he reached the semi-finals at the Orange Bowl. He went on to win the Australian Open boys’ title the following month and two years later he is the youngest player in the ATP top 100.

I can learn a lot about a player during these tournaments. How they cope with the pressure, the jet lag and all the distractions is a good indicator of their mentality. Until the semi-finals there are no umpires – the kids have to make their own calls. There are USPTA officials but there are kids who cheat, and some who are encouraged to cheat by their parents. I have seen many incidents where the kids are screaming at each other on court, their parents or coaches are screaming at each other outside and there is a USPTA official trying to diffuse the situation.

For players on an adjacent court it is very distracting and I am looking for players who can stay focused in spite of everything going on around them.

Grigor Dimitrov won the boys’ U16 title at both Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl in 2006. He had such focus. Dominic Thiem won Eddie Herr U18 in 2010 and 2011 and also won the 2011 U18 Orange Bowl without dropping a set.

But for every Federer, Sharapova, Dimitrov and Thiem, there is a champion who doesn’t make it. For example, I worked with Tiago Fernandes at a training camp before he won Eddie Herr U14 in 2007. He went on to win the Australian Open boys’ title in 2010 and was the junior world No.1. Now he doesn’t play tennis anymore. Michelle Larcher de Brito won the Eddie Herr U16 title as a 12-year-old in 2005 but her highest ranking was No.76 six years ago. Great results at these tournaments are no guarantee of success at senior level.

Open to players aged 15 and over, the camp at the Brighton University campus includes a Coach In Training (CIT) programme.

“We believe that by players understanding more about ‘how to coach tennis’, players will actually improve their own game,” says JMT managing director Matthew Cooke. “As well as learning about drills and the technical side, players will learn group management, how to give feedback and leadership skills.”

The Brighton Tennis Camp is aimed at the older teenage player looking to develop their tennis and fitness as well learning more about tennis coaching itself. This new exciting camp takes place on the courts of the University of Sussex just outside the vibrant seaside city of Brighton, with the ideal climate for tennis.

As well the university’s six hard courts, attendees will have access to gym facilities, sports halls and extensive grounds on campus.

With prices starting from £425 per week, the camp is also offered as a residential tennis package and a language programme for international students who want to improve their English as well as their tennis.

For players considering a future as a JMT coach, the Brighton course is the only location to offer the exclusive Coach In Training Programme to improve leadership, group management skills and introduce players to qualities that will pave the way to personal and career growth.

Jonathan Markson tennis was set up by former pro- Jonathan Markson in 1981. Since then the company has developed a niche following of UK and International tennis players who enjoy their tennis camps and international tennis holidays.

]]>Sun, 29 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Kim Clijsters Academy: State of the Art Technologyhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/29/kim-clijsters-academy-state-of-the-art-technology
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/29/kim-clijsters-academy-state-of-the-art-technologyCarl Maes, Academy Director at the Kim Clijsters Academy in Belgium, is a former Belgian Fed Cup Captain and Head of Tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA, UK), not to mention coach of the multiple Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters. Working at her academy in Bree, Maes has overseen the installation and integration of “Energy Lab Tennis”.

Using HawkEye technology, Energy Lab’s unique system brings together the data gleaned through HawkEye to provide accurate and reliable on-court performance screening.

“We have made it into a coaching tool,” says Maes. When the HawkEye data (that’s the bulk of data quoted by ATP and WTA, like unforced errors, speed of serve and so on) is cross-referenced with video taken simultaneously from five different cameras, it enables a very detailed and sophisticated analysis of shot making.

“We can actually measure that specific stroke and really analyse it in a way that has never been done before,” explains Maes. This includes the ability to compare data collected over time, to enable individual player progress to be monitored.

“The art of the coach is to filter out from all that data what is useful to put into practice, be it tennis or fitness.”

This is why at KCA they have a dedicated person who tags all the data and a team of highly skilled coaches who can make this meaningful for a player. “How we are using that technology for biomechanics as well as fitness is an integral part of what we have to offer,” says Maes.

“We have also made a fitness test where rather than your anaerobic threshold, which you might measure on a treadmill or a bicycle, we can actually look at the technical break point by doing the test with the ball machine.” He explains that a ball machine fires balls out, changing speed every three minutes. “Because we can measure every stroke, where it is, where it lands, we can see when a player’s performance is starting to suffer.

“We see actually at what point the placement starts to drop or where a player starts to play higher loopy balls because they are tired. That is interesting not only for the tennis coach but also for the fitness coach. The fitness coach knows for his interval session exactly at what point the level of fitness has an effect on the tennis game.”

One of the unique offerings at the KCA is that all players can tap into this sophisticated technology, which took two weeks to install at the academy.

Full-time players have it included as part of the standard academy package. Because all players are also offered individual sessions, not just group sessions, the information can be shared, discussed and acted upon by coach and player. This is part of the personal approach that Maes and his team pride themselves on.

The technology and analysis is also available to players on a test basis, often coupled with a short stay at the academy.

In these cases, Maes explains: “We look at the background and the player and we try and co-operate with the local coaches. They get a report back when they come here for a week, two weeks or a month. They get a full report and we share all this data. So when they go back home the coach can continue to work on our recommendation.

“We believe the technology will help players. It will not create players, it is a tool to help coaches."

Maes points to the fact that he expects to accompany five players to the 2016 Australian Open as proof that the academy, with its combination of technology, its holistic approach to the sport and a personal approach, is generating results.

Yanina Wickmayer has spent some time training at the academy with both Clisjters and Maes and is expected to play in the main draw. Elise Mertens, Seppe Cuypers, Lara Salden and Phillis Vanenburg should also be in Melbourne, competing in qualifying for the main draw or in the junior event.

They are all players benefiting from the services and state-of-the-art technology that is on offer at the Kim Clijsters Academy.

]]>Sun, 29 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Tennis on Lake Gardahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/28/tennis-on-lake-garda
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/28/tennis-on-lake-gardaFamous for the breathtaking car chase in the opening scenes of James Bond’s Quantum of Solace, Lake Garda is a stunning location for a tennis holiday.

But you don’t need to be a secret agent to enjoy the delights of Lake Garda, and unlike 007, you will hopefully have a less eventful journey to the resort, which is only 25 minutes from Verona airport.

On arrival you’ll be greeted by a beautiful four-star resort surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and stunning views of the lake to the west.

A brand new venue for Jonathan Markson Tennis in 2016, with a choice of four-star hotel with pool and spa or apartments, this is an ideal venue for couples, families and large groups.

Set in the heart of northern Italy between Milan and Venice, Lake Garda is a popular holiday for location for Italians and tourists alike. If you don’t want to spend your whole holiday on the court, there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied, from golf and windsurfing to day trips to the surrounding area.

Submerge in the renowned hot spring water parks, visit the famous Verona opera, taste wine in Bardolino or take the kids to Gardaland theme park – there’s no danger of getting bored.

But back to the tennis – with resident coach Fabio, a former Italian junior No.1, offering up to 15 hours of tennis coaching on the hotel’s six stunning clay courts, there’s every chance you’ll come home with a honed technique, and perhaps even a little Italian flair to your game.

Prices start from £530 per person based on two people sharing for a week with up to 15 hours of tennis coaching included. For more information visit marksontennis.com

Jonathan Markson tennis was set up by former pro- Jonathan Markson in 1981. Since then the company has developed a niche following of UK and International tennis players who enjoy their tennis camps and international tennis holidays.

]]>Sat, 28 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Kim Clijsters Academy: A Player’s Viewhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/28/kim-clijsters-academy-a-players-view
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/28/kim-clijsters-academy-a-players-viewOne of the services the academy offers its players is Energy Lab screenings – where a player can undergo endurance, biomechanical and tactical analysis using Hawkeye technology. An integral component of the player packages, the testing service is also offered to players as a one-off screening. It was this that drew Erika and her mum to the academy.

“I was having some difficulties with my technique on my forehand and I wanted to come here and then show my coach in England what the main issue was with my technique so I could really make the next step,” Erika explains. “The Energy Lab was amazing. I have never seen anything with that much information.”

On her first visit to Bree, the 13-year-old was very impressed with everything at the academy, including the atmosphere.

“Whilst doing the Energy Lab I was training at the academy for two weeks. I instantly fell in love with the training,” she said. “I really enjoy the physical aspects of the training. It’s really professional here. I think the main thing is that the coaches are not afraid to work the kids really hard.”

Back home in the UK Erika had been combining her tennis training at Halton Tennis Centre with her education via the Oxford Home Schooling programme. This meant that choosing the Belgian academy as her training base was a reality.

“Every month you have to send an assignment,” she said. “I communicate by phone if I ever need anything. It means I can travel as much as I want and still keep up with my schooling.”

The journey from her home in Buckinghamshire to Bree takes around five hours by road, via Eurotunnel. Alternatively it is a 45 minutes flight from Stansted to Eindhoven and then a 45-minute drive. Like many aspiring juniors this is only possible because Erika’s mum, Zuleika, is happy to travel with her.

“If Erika wants to come home for the weekend, sometimes I fly out in the morning and come back that night,” she said. “If you book in advance it only costs around £17. Or if I have to take Erika somewhere else too I can drive. In comparison with say Spain and France, Belgium has its advantages.”

Often staying in Bree for three-week blocks, Erika lives with a host family. The academy has a limited amount of accommodation for players and many stay with local families. A few are catered for in a house that can sleep up to eight.

“We are lucky Erika has such a wonderful host family,” says Zuleika. “They are very understanding and it makes her feel like part of the community.”

“I have made a lot of friends really easily, everyone is very polite,” Erika said. “People are all so welcoming. It is a different language and at first I was a bit worried about that but everyone speaks English, even the 10-year-olds. It feels like I am in England most of the time, apart from when people talk Flemish amongst themselves.”

The decision to base herself in Belgium is paying dividends for Erika. “I have learned so much – we’d be here for a while if I told you everything,” she joked. “The main thing is my fitness. The fitness coaches look at the movements of the body with so much detail. Those little inches that you need in tennis, they really treat them seriously.

“I also learned about diet and stuff. It has given me an edge so I feel fit and fast on court”.

And what of the forehand?

“Over the last eight months I have been working very hard with my individual coach and my group coach. I have changed my technique completely so I’m almost like a different player,” she said. “I’m really lucky that I came here because otherwise I would not have changed my technique and I would not have been able to improve as much as I have in a short period.”

Erika is aware of the hard work that lies ahead if she is to achieve her ambition to become a professional. One of the things she likes about the academy is the presence of Clijsters herself.

“Kim comes in quite a lot,” she says. “She has been on court with me a few times in groups. I think that is amazing. It is such an inspiration to see Kim Clijsters, who a lot of young players look up to. It motivates me to work as hard as I can.

“It is amazing to see her. You see what she’s like and her personality. She works really hard. It makes you want to be like her.”

Zuleika has not had the opportunity to talk to Clijsters, but she has often seen her on court. “I do chat a lot with her mother,” she said. “I guess it is good for me as a mother to talk to another mother who has been through the same process. It was quite inspirational for me because she does talk about how difficult it can be.”

Zuleika has plenty of experience as a tennis mum; her 19-year-old son Joseph, a former pupil of Reed’s School in Surrey, is now on a tennis scholarship at an American university. “When Erika was looking where to go,” she explains, “it was quite a big influence that she was going to be somewhere that was run by a woman. She liked the thought people might know how to work well with girls.”

Erika, whose declared ambition is to compete in Grand Slams, said: “I’m really happy here. It is the best place for me. Everything I want is in the academy.”

]]>Sat, 28 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Play on the grass courts at Cambridge Universityhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/27/play-on-the-grass-courts-at-cambridge-university
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/27/play-on-the-grass-courts-at-cambridge-universityOK, so playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon is probably the most prestigious grass court in the world, but even members of the All England Club don’t get to play there.

As history and prestige goes, the grass courts at Cambridge University are hard to beat. Founded in 1881, Cambridge University Lawn Tennis Club is one of the oldest lawn tennis clubs in the country.

Cambridge is one of our favourite cities in the UK and we were delighted to discover that Jonathan Markson Tennis has launched a tennis camp for adults in the very heart of the city this August. The company has run popular camps from Oxford University for many years, but the adult tennis camps at rival university Cambridge is new for 2016.

Set in the heart of the city at Fenner’s Tennis Ground, the camp is targeted at adult players looking to finesse their game in a uniquely English environment.

With the option to attend the camp during the day as a non-resident or stay in one of the colleges as a resident, this is a truly exclusive opportunity.

Starting from £425, the camp offers up to five hours of tennis each day, including video analysis as well as doubles and singles tournaments during the week.

Of course, the English weather is unpredictable, even in August, and an indoor fitness hall can be used if rain stops play.

And with a Cambridge College tour included in the price, there will be plenty of time for you to get your cultural fix and explore the city’s historic museums, churches and colleges as well as the local pubs and restaurants.

Jonathan Markson tennis was set up by former pro- Jonathan Markson in 1981. Since then the company has developed a niche following of UK and International tennis players who enjoy their tennis camps and international tennis holidays.

]]>Fri, 27 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Kim Clijsters: a personal approachhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/27/kim-clijsters-a-personal-approach
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/27/kim-clijsters-a-personal-approachIt was a club that had been in existence for 30 years before the former world No.1 decided to take the plunge and buy it in 2012.

“I knew that this place had been up for sale for many years, they approached me when I was 20 years old, but was not the right time,” says Clijsters. “I still wanted to focus on my career without having the worries of a big centre. So as I got older, the idea kind of stuck with me.”

When Clijsters retired for the second time as a player in 2012 she set about transforming the existing club and making it into a world class facility. “I wanted to bring everything that I have learned over my career under one roof,” she explains.

“If you want to be a professional tennis player or you have goals to be a better tennis player you can find everything here.” That includes coaches, fitness trainers, dieticians, osteopaths, physiotherapists, mental coaches as well as facilities for fitness and biomechanics testing.

It is perhaps not surprising that Clijsters, who had a reputation as one of the nicest people on tour, is still working with many of the people who helped her during her playing career. Sam Verslegers, her fitness coach and osteopath, oversees all of the therapists at the Academy. He operates his private practice out of the site as well as providing services to players at the academy. Carl Maes, Clijsters’ coach of ten years, is the Academy Director.

“I feel very happy that I am still able to work with people that I worked with and people who have worked at the highest level and who are very passionate about the sport and who want to help and improve the kids whether they train two times a week or whether they train every day,” she said.

The Kim Clijsters Academy, with eight indoor and 10 outdoor clay courts, re-opened to players in April 2014 and not only has the former world No.1 put her name to it, but she is actively involved in player development.

“I’m here a few hours every day,” she said, “each week is different because I also have other things to do, like charity things. There are weeks when it is four or five hours a day. I go home when school finishes so I can spend time with my kids. I try to be here from 9 o’clock until about 3pm.”

Daughter Jada is now seven and son Jack recently celebrated his second birthday, and with the academy just a seven-minute drive from her home, it’s an easy commute for Clijsters.

“I hit with the players, particularly the young girls when they want a higher intensity,” she says, “I like to be on court with the players and be in the gym and look at what they are doing.” And it’s not only personal technical tennis development she offers. “There are girls who talk to me about personal things, issues with parents, a bunch of stuff and it’s nice to be there for them,” she said.

Clijsters’ personality and vision for the academy has inevitably shaped its culture and values.

“We have a unique product,” says Clijsters. “It is very personal. The approach is very individual. The players here won't feel like they are a number. I have always said that is really important. The quality needs to be very high.”

But it has been a steep learning curve for the three-time US Open champion, and not just from changing perspective from player to coach. “There are other things further away from what I am used to - the business side of things, trying to make everything work and that is definitely a learning process,” she says. “I enjoy it. It is something that makes you better.

“Luckily I have good people surrounding me who can help me and advise me.”

Clijsters says in the coming months she will be working with some of her sponsors to drive the commercial needs of the academy. She also has a commitment to making the facilities available to players who are financially unable to travel. For this reason she recently launched Ten4Kim. “We are looking for sponsors to help with that project,” she says.

This is a tennis academy with a big heart as well as a big vision.

“I love the personal approach with the kids. I feel like they listen, they really work hard, that’s what I enjoy, knowing that I can make a little difference,” said Clijsters. “With the whole crew we can make a difference for the players. That is a very rewarding feeling.”

NEXT UP..…a player’s view: “It is such an inspiration to see Kim Clijsters, who a lot of young players look up to. It motivates me to work as hard as I can.” (British teenager Erika Dodridge)

]]>Fri, 27 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Kim Clijsters Academyhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/26/kim-clijsters-academy
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/26/kim-clijsters-academyThe town of Bree, in north-east Belgium, close to the Dutch and German borders, is an hour’s drive from Brussels and has a population of around 15,000. Kim Clijsters, probably Bree’s most famous resident, now has an 18-court tennis academy with state-of-the-art equipment and a team of tennis and wider health professionals with credentials worth travelling for.

Since April 2014 the academy has been offering a range of services to players of all levels. For aspiring pros there is the opportunity to join the college programme, aimed at players who are still studying at university, college or those wanting to do home studies. Players receive 10-15 hours of tennis coaching per week (including at least two hours of private lessons), in addition to five or six hours of fitness training (of which at least one hour will be one-on-one). The programme also includes HawkEye testing, medical screening and an injury prevention programme, as well as a KCA trainer at four international tournaments a year.

There is also a Pro Tour/Practice Programme for players with professional ambitions. The pro Tour programme is a holistic programme where a player can tap into many services like a Snapshot test –analysis of a specific stroke with the use of Hawkeye cameras, a fitness performance test, a Dexa Body scan as well as osteopathic screening, mental mindflow screening and massage.

In addition to the full time programmes the academy offers test days and an introductory week. There are also tennis holidays in partnership with Centerparcs Erperheide and intensive training weeks.

When Clijsters opened the Academy last year it was her vision to bring together all the needs of tennis players under one roof. What better way to deliver this than with some of the team who had helped her to Grand Slam success?

Carl Maes, who was Clijsters’ coach for ten years, is a former Belgian Fed Cup captain and was Head of Tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association in the UK. Sam Verslegers, her former fitness coach and osteopath, runs the team of therapists.

“If you want to be a professional tennis player or you have goals to be a better tennis player you can get everything done here,” says Clijsters. “When I was playing at the top of my career it was easy for me because I was able to afford an osteopath, testing etc and they would travel with me.

“But I was only able to have that really at the last 10 years of my career. We realise now that is more and more important for younger kids to have their body ready to start to play tennis and not just to work on those details when you have your first injury.”

Maes leads a team of eight full-time coaches and two full-time fitness trainers. Each full-time player at the academy is assigned a responsible coach as well as a second in command. As well as having an overview, Maes acts rather like a backstop, stepping in to coach if, for instance, a player’s two coaches are travelling, as occasionally happens.

Having decided to offer such a personal approach with coaches travelling to tournaments with players at least four times a year, scheduling is one thing that keeps the academy’s coaches and administrators on their toes.

“We are not the biggest academy but we try to be the best.” Maes said. “Our holistic approach means we try to give a personal approach to our programmes so that when people come they really feel like they are not just a number.”

Maes says that the individual sessions that are offered as part of the full-time player packages ensure the data that is collected using HawkEye technology can be fully analysed and its findings implemented, whether it be information gleaned from a functional screening by an osteopath or biomechanical advice.

“The art of the coach is to filter out from all that data what is useful to put into practise be it tennis or fitness,” Maes said.

The academy’s packages are unique because this level of service is included in the cost. In addition to the full-time coaches there are another 10–15 coaches who oversee the after-school practices and programmes.

There are currently between 25 and 30 aspiring pros training at the academy and around 300 players aged 3 to 70 plus playing one or more times a week.

Players travel to the academy from all over the world. Erika Dodridge, 13, travels regularly from the UK, and recently players from China and USA have attended test days and intensive training weeks. There are usually up to 10 players using the facility in this way and Maes says their schedules are often slotted into the full-time player schedules.

]]>Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Winter tennis in the Algarvehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/26/winter-tennis-in-the-algarve
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/26/winter-tennis-in-the-algarveJonathan Markson Tennis is running a Winter Value Week in the Algarve from January 3-9 for just £350.

Set on the beautiful Algarve coast, the charming resort of Praia da Luz is the perfect location for a winter tennis week. With temperatures rarely dipping below 16°C and blue skies almost guaranteed, you can make a headstart on your game for the 2016 season while your friends and colleagues are back at work suffering the January blues.

Perfect for players of all levels looking for a week of relaxed and social tennis, the Winter Value Week is ideal for single players and small groups of friends. The price includes six nights’ bed and breakfast and 15 hours of group tennis coaching, as well as free access to courts in the afternoon.

The coaching team, led by resident coaches Luis and Vasco, who have worked for Jonathan Markson Tennis for more than 15 years, offer a mix of drills and tactics. There is a friendly tournament at the end of the week as well as a three-course dinner on the final evening.

While the Algarve is a popular holiday destination for British tourists, Praia da Luz has a distinctly local feel with plenty of local restaurants serving fresh fish and native Portuguse cuisine.

Choose between the convenience of the Luz Bay Hotel and the flexibility of the self-catering apartments at Baia and Estrela da Luz, just a short walk from the centre of town with a supermarket offering a superb selection of cheese and wine, which makes eating in just as appealing as dining out.

Jonathan Markson tennis was set up by former pro- Jonathan Markson in 1981. Since then the company has developed a niche following of UK and International tennis players who enjoy their tennis camps and international tennis holidays.

]]>Thu, 26 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Djokovic's advice for aspiring professionalshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/20/djokovics-advice-for-aspiring-professionals
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/20/djokovics-advice-for-aspiring-professionalsDjokovic met British U16 player Jake Hersey at the ATP World Tour Finals in London this week and discussed the 15-year-old’s development programme at the Edgbaston Priory High Performance Centre in Birmingham.

“Try to be patient,” Djokovic told Hersey, currently ranked No.2 in the Midlands for his age group and 26th nationally. “I know that everybody went through this stage you are at, myself and all the other top players. Of course you feel like everything has to happen in the same moment, you want to play Grand Slams, you want to start winning professional matches; I know how that feels.

“But try to understand the process of the big picture and always try to remember why you started to play the sport – because you love it, because you fell in love, that’s something that should always be in your subconscious as source of drive, energy and motivation whenever you have tough moments.

“You are going to have them, plenty of them, but you are going to have joyful moments as well. It’s important to keep that picture in your mind – you are playing because it’s your choice; you love the sport and you love competing and remember that everything you are doing in your tennis career and your private life will reflect afterwards, positively or negatively."

PEUGEOT supports the sport of tennis as the Official Car Supplier to the ATP and for over 30-years with vehicles to the French Open at Roland Garros. Novak Djokovic is its international Brand Ambassador and Jamie Murray is sponsored by PEUGEOT UK.

]]>Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000British juniors chasing fundinghttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/20/british-juniors-chasing-funding
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/11/20/british-juniors-chasing-fundingTiana Fox and Kylie Bilchev, both 12, have started fundraising campaigns with crowdfunding platform Pledge Sports to raise £2000 and £1500 respectively in order to enable them to travel to Florida next month to compete in the Junior Orange Bowl in Miami.

Tennishead columnist Mats Merkel will be in Florida for the Junior Orange Bowl event - read his exclusive insight into his role as a tennis scout in the next issue of tennishead - on sale December 17

The Girls 12 and under event will take place at Tropical Park from December 13 -22 this year and both are hoping to be there to represent Great Britain. Both girls were selected to represent Great Britain in the Summer Cup in Corsica, where they finished 7th out of 32 countries.

Tiana, who is based in Brighton, trains four mornings and four evenings a week and at the weekends.

“Next to Wimbledon, this is the biggest tournament on the tennis calendar, 317 competitors have entered the tournament, but only 64 get selected, so if I get a place I really have to go as I will never get this opportunity again,” she said.

“I really believe that this level of sport should be accessible to everyone, not just the rich, and thanks to the generosity of so many this is true, so please if you can contribute no matter how small, it will make such a difference.”

Kylie, meanwhile, is based in Ipswich and trains in Culford and reached the final of the Open Super 12 Auray in France, and is hoping to go one better in Miami.

“I love playing tennis and most of all I love winning,” said Kylie. “My goal is to win Grand Slams and reach No.1 in the women’s tennis. This is a journey, and every step of every day matters.

“To get to the top I must compete with the top players. That’s why my goal in junior tennis is to play at the world’s top events for my age group.”

]]>Fri, 20 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000Going meat free?http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/10/26/going-meat-free
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/10/26/going-meat-freeRoughly two per cent of the UK population are vegetarian, while six per cent follow a meat-free diet but still eat fish. The reasons for vegetarianism vary from ethical to financial, while others opt to cut out meat in pursuit of a healthier diet. So does it really make any difference – can athletes achieve as good, or an even better, performance without meat or fish?

Evidence shows that following a healthy vegetarian diet it is perfectly possible to achieve the same results as a non-vegetarian, although aerobic performance is not improved.

Most people consider a vegetarian diet to be one that includes grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits while excluding meat and fish, seafood and by-products of slaughter. It generally still includes other animal products like eggs and dairy. But there are different classifications in the vegetarian dietary spectrum: near/semi-vegetarians still eat fish, poultry, eggs and dairy but exclude red meat. Pesco-vegetarians will include fish, dairy and eggs in their diet. A lacto-vegetarian will include dairy but not eggs, an ovo-vegetarian includes eggs, and a vegan excludes all animal-derived foods completely.

The immediate consideration when eliminating these foods is how to replace the nutrients that they provide – protein is the major consideration, but also iron, zinc, vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D. Careful planning will ensure that all these nutrients are replaced in another part of the diet, but it’s always important to bear in mind that being a vegetarian and an athlete needs planning and attention.

Some people purport to be vegetarian but eat a diet of pizza and processed foods in the belief that by giving up meat they’re healthy. This is clearly not the case and a diet should always consist of clean, unprocessed foods including wholegrain carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats. This will help ensure that the vegetarian tennis player will replace the missing nutrients identified above. As the building block of the body, protein is essential for metabolism of tissue, good bone health and repair of muscles after exercise.

Meat and fish deliver all of the essential amino acids, which means a meat-eater does not have to worry about having the correct spectrum. However, a vegetarian will have to work harder at ensuring that they are eating a range of plant proteins in order to gain as many of the amino acids as possible – especially the essential nine.

One thing to consider is that often energy may dip as a result of a vegetarian diet. This is often thought to be linked to iron-deficiency anaemia from the lack of red meat, or pernicious anaemia from the loss of vitamin B12. However, it is possible that it is simply a lack of calories being consumed versus those being expended. Adopting a vegetarian diet may require eating more food and a higher number of calories than before. By making sure you eat enough calories, this is only going to impact on your performance – not your weight.

Sarah Brown is principal of Good Food Works Nutritional Therapy. She has a particular interest in functional sports nutrition and digestive health, and provides personal consultations, coaching clients to reach their health goals by optimising their nutritional choices. She works in clinic at Pure Sports Medicine in south-west London.

]]>Mon, 26 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000Avoiding Injuryhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/10/07/avoiding-injury
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/10/07/avoiding-injury"There’s a big difference between someone having a muscular injury and twisting your ankle,” says Andy Murray. “Twisting your ankle is bad luck. If there’s muscular sort of injuries, then that’s something different. That can be down to either not training hard enough, or training too much.”

For the professionals, injuries can at worst be career ending, at best a temporary loss of earnings. Regardless of whether you play professionally or recreationally, being sidelined is frustrating. Injury prevention can be a real challenge for any player, no matter what standard. But by improving stability and following a simple warm-up, cool-down and stretching routine, you can reduce your risk of picking up injury niggles and even more serious problems.

Stability is a term used to describe the motion of a joint such as the hip, knee or the shoulder. Instability refers to an absolute increase in the available range of motion beyond normal limits, or abnormal motion at the endpoint of a joint’s range of motion.

“There are good things and bad things to having a loose shoulder,” said Maria Sharapova, who has been plagued by shoulder injuries throughout her career and had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in 2008. “I’m very flexible and my joints are very loose. In a way that’s very good because your body is not tight, but on the other hand you’re very loose and more prone to getting injured.”

The body has two key types of muscles, movers and stabilisers. The large muscle groups, those responsible for movement, have an obvious function and are visible to see, but there are smaller groups of muscles that lay deeper in the spine, abdomen, pelvis, knee, hip and shoulder girdle, which play an equally important role. These stabilising muscles hold everything in place while the body is moving to prevent injury. While the gluteus maximus is one of the most powerful muscles in the human body, the lesser-known gluteus minimus helps stabilise the hip.

By training stabilisation muscles in addition to major muscle groups, these muscles protect the ligaments and joint architecture. Stabilisation muscles help to keep the body from going beyond its normal movement limits. Sharapova often plays with an American football as part of her training to build up the stabilisation muscles in her shoulder.

While strengthening and maintaining these groups of muscles is a daily part of a professional player’s routine, it is perhaps not at the top of the list of priorities for those who balance playing tennis alongside a full-time job or education. While biceps, triceps and deltoid (shoulder) muscles help improve strength for tennis, the rotator cuff plays a key role in the rotation of the shoulder, making it important for most shots in tennis, particularly the serve.

A weak rotator cuff can cause shoulder instability resulting in joint problems, pain and damage to the joint and ligaments, and ultimately time out of the game. After failing to rehabilitate the injury to her right shoulder, Sharapova underwent surgery in October 2008 and did not play again until March 2009.

Normal aerobic exercise routines such as running, cross-training and even game time do not satisfactorily address the training of the stabilisers. In fact, it is often the case that the more you play, the more you will need to work on these stabilisation muscle groups.

Using an elastic exercise band, a useful addition to every player’s kit bag, rotational exercises for the shoulder joint, rotator cuff and scapula will help increase stability in the joint. Speak to a qualified trainer or physician to obtain a range of stability exercises for the whole body.

Maintaining strong muscles in the core can also help prevent a wide range of injuries including abdominal strains during the service motion. A strong core is essential as it joins the lower and upper extremities, which are used to generate power in every stroke.

Before and after every match or training session, time should be allocated for warming up and cooling down. Warming up increases blood flow to the muscles, increases body temperature and speeds up the nervous system. Light jogging or a short cycle followed by various footwork patterns such as shuffling, crossover steps and back-pedalling will help warm up the lower body. Shadow strokes and shoulder stability work can help prepare the upper body.

Dynamic stretching is preferable to static stretching during warm-up as research studies have indicated that static stretching can decrease power output for up to an hour after completion. Controlled swinging or rotation of the arms, legs and torso – around 10 to 12 repetitions – should be performed to prepare the muscles for exercise. This can be complemented by some light static stretching on any very tight areas or areas prone to injury.

This article is based on information extracted from Tennis iCoach and the ITF Advanced Coaches Manual, written by Miguel Crespo & Dave Miley. Information edited by Miguel Crespo, Merlin van de Braam and Abbie Probert. www.tennisicoach.com

]]>Wed, 07 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100Tennis Touristhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/09/19/tennis-tourist
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/09/19/tennis-touristManor House Hotel and Ashbury boasts eight indoor and five outdoor tennis courts. If you go and stay at either of the hotels, use of the tennis facilities is free of charge, as indeed are any of the many other activities on offer.

Set on the edge of Dartmoor in the Devon countryside, the outdoor courts have fantastic views to the northern edge of Dartmoor towards Yes Tor and with two indoor courts recently completed at the Ashbury, there are now more opportunities to play even if it’s raining outside.

At The Manor House there are 4 indoor courts in one hall, laid with Matchplay 2 carpet - ideal for tennis groups staging their own competitions. The hall has a viewing gallery above each court. The Moorland Tennis Hall is an individual court fitted out with “Nearly- Grass” carpet and the Spa Sports Hall houses another indoor court.

If you don't want to organise your own competitions Manor House offer competitions, which are open to players of all abilities. Private group or individual lessons are available from one of the LTA accredited coaches at an additional cost. Group Sessions with resident coaches are available during the week priced at £2 for 30 minutes or £4 an hour.

Coaching groups are split into three categories. These are juniors under 13, over 13 years (beginners and improvers) and club/team level players. Free group tennis coaching is being offered on all breaks taken between 8th October and 27th April 2016.

If you’ve got any energy left after playing tennis the extensive sport facilities and activities include thirteen bowls rinks, twelve badminton courts, two squash courts, 25 snooker tables, nine table tennis tables, darts, curling, five-a-side football, rounders, basketball, netball, volleyball and continuous cricket. There are five indoor target ranges, featuring air rifles, air pistols, archery and laser clay shooting. Free golf is available on any of the seven 18-hole golf course options.

Discounts are available for groups of eight or more and with full board and activities included in the price there won’t be any nasty surprises when you check out.

The Manor House Hotel is located on the A386 Bowerland Road, approximately two miles north of the junction with the A30 and two miles from Okehampton. Contact 01837 53053 or visit www.manorhousehotel.co.uk.

]]>Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0100Summer vacationhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/08/26/summer-vacation
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/08/26/summer-vacationIt’s simply not possible to play tournaments every week of the season. No matter how fit an athlete you are, any player will soon run out of steam.

The first half of the season is particularly tough; Australia, followed by Indian Wells and Miami, then the European clay swing with Roland Garros and then Wimbledon; three Grand Slams and three different surfaces within six months. It’s extremely demanding on the body.

After Wimbledon, some players will stay in Europe and try to pick up some more ranking points, but most will take a short break. In my opinion, not enough players are thinking about improvement. I wish more coaches and agents would encourage this because not only would it benefit the players, it would improve the sport in the long run.

There are seven weeks between the Wimbledon final and the start of the US Open, and in reality that’s eight weeks for most players. You have a draw of 128 players, and by the end of the first week 112 of them have gone home. This time of the year represents a real opportunity to look at improvement, not just as a player, but also as an athlete and a person.

To build a foundation, whether fitness or skills-based, while you are in competition is impossible. You have to set the base and put in the hard work away from competition. With a three or four-week stretch, a player should first take time to relax and rejuvenate and not even look at a racket for ten days.

it’s no different to people needing a holiday from a regular job. After five or six days you can start picking up the physical training again, which is an area you can improve significantly in three or four weeks. Then the closer you get to competition the more you want to train like you are in matches.

The pre-season training block is the most important part of the year, but in order to be ready for the off-season you have to make the most of this mid-term gap. I think a lot of players underestimate the significance of this training block. As a coach if you start working with a player midway through the season it can be very challenging. It requires a lot of tweaks here and there; both the player and the coach have to be very flexible. You have to communicate very openly; you have to be bold and blunt, and at times also comforting. the player has to understand what you are doing is in their best interest.

The worst thing a coach could do is make widespread changes. Change is a big word. I would rather call it improvement. You expand their skillset and broaden their horizon. Players don’t want to hear about change; they prefer to hear how they have improved.

]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100Judy Murray's Miss Hitshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/08/07/judy-murrays-miss-hits
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/08/07/judy-murrays-miss-hitsThe number of coaches trained to roll out the innovative Miss Hits programme reached 200 and with a target of another 200 in the next 12 months, Murray is as motivated as ever

"There were two reasons for creating the Miss Hits programme. One was to get more girls into the game by making tennis more attractive and more girly. The other was to increase our female coach workforce at entry level, because you don't need to be a technically-trained tennis coach to deliver it. You could be a teacher, a coach of another sport or a development officer or somebody who has a licence to work with children. The activity within it, all the skill building, is nothing to do with grips or footwork or swing shapes. It’s all about developing the skills you need to be able to play a difficult sport.

This is an extract from 'Last Word: Judy Murray's Miss Hits'. To read the article in full and for more great features, in-depth gear reviews and stunning images from the tour, get your hands on a copy of tennishead Volume 6 Issue 4 (September 2015). Click here to subscribe.

Many kids who start tennis nowadays are not as co-ordinated as they used to be simply because they don't run around as much. So you get a lot of kids going into tennis that can’t even throw or catch a bouncing ball and have never handled the equipment before, so when they start tennis they find it difficult. They often drop out early, because it is too tough for them. The whole point of Miss Hits is to develop the skills first so that when they go into tennis they’ve got a social group of girls, they’ve got better coordination skills and they’ve got a better understanding of tennis through the Miss Hits characters from the app and the website.

My favourite character is Faith Forehand. I think she was the first character that I devised and of course she is Scottish. She’s got red hair and freckles, she eats salmon and drinks water from the Scottish hills, her favourite player is Andy Murray and her favourite tournament is Wimbledon. We are trying to educate girls about our sport through the characters in a very gentle simple way. There have been a few non-coaches we have trained up – some have been teachers and some have been coaches of other sports. Most of them have been at least Level 2 coaches but when we start training again in September we are looking at the next wave of 200 and we will be looking at the leisure sector."

]]>Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100Chess: Tennis for the Mindhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/07/23/chess-tennis-for-the-mind
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/07/23/chess-tennis-for-the-mindOn the face of things, tennis and chess could not be more different. While one sport requires speed, athleticism and power, the other is a sedentary pastime often performed at a leisurely pace from the comfort of an armchair. But the comparisons between chess and tennis are not new. The late actor Robin Williams famously observed, “tennis is like chess at 90 miles an hour”, while American tennis great Jack Kramer claimed: “To be a championship tennis player, you need the mind of a chess master and the endurance of a marathon runner.”

Former world No.1 and six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker was taught to play chess as a teenager by his coach Gunther Bosch. “Gunther thought that I would expand my intellectual awareness of structuring a point if I learnt to play chess,” Becker said. “Strategy is important in chess and tennis. In a one-on-one situation it’s important to always remain one step ahead of your opponent.”

Becker is not the only tennis player to have played the game. Ivan Lendl, whose father was a chess master, played regularly, while Elena Dementieva was often seen at tournaments playing speed chess with her brother and coach, Vsevolod. Sergiy Stakhovsky was taught to play as a child by his grandfather and plays as often as 20 games a day online. He also plays with fellow Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov as well as Feliciano Lopez’s coach, Jose Clavet.

“I play before a match to get my mindset right,” Stakhovsky explains. “It helps me focus on the match and make sure my mind is not flying around somewhere. You have to think a couple of turns ahead, which is the same for tennis, and the better you are, the more turns ahead you can look.”

Sir Clive Woodward, the mastermind behind England’s Rugby World Cup victory in 2003, is a keen amateur chess player and spoke about how chess can help other sports at the 6th London Chess Classic in December 2014.

“The skills used in chess are transferable to all types of sport because it makes you think,” said Woodward, who learnt to play chess at school. “In most sports you put a huge amount of emphasis on the physical side of things – football, rugby, cricket and tennis for instance – but a big chunk of it is also about thinking.

“It’s how you develop those thinking and understanding skills. The ball may be going one way but you are thinking further forward and that’s what chess is all about.” Jim Egerton is a qualified tennis coach and the founder of Chess-Now Ltd, a training organisation that uses chess to help his lients practise strategic thinking in business, sport and education.

“In my opinion, chess is a practice court for the mind,” says Egerton. “Both chess and tennis require you to think in combinations if you want to be successful. Combinations like serve and volley or a drop shot and lob, force you to think two or three shots ahead to build the point. In chess if you can put two tactics together in a combination you may just win the game on the spot.

“Tennis is more difficult because there is the physical element of having to execute the shot. Even if you do everything right technically and mentally, you physically still have to hit the shot to win.”

]]>Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0100Taking the perfect picturehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/07/11/taking-the-perfect-picture
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/07/11/taking-the-perfect-pictureA perfectly-timed shot of Frenchman Gael Monfils diving full stretch for a volley at the net was taken during Monfils' first-round win over Malek Jaziri during the 2014 Championships and won the Rolex Wimbledon Photograph of the Year competition.

"The picture of Gael Monfils was taken at Wimbledon 2014 on Court 18," Frey told Sportsworld's Riain McAuley. "I was up on top of the broadcast centre, the sun was going down and Monfils was up to his usual antics, leaping around everywhere. It was only a matter of time before he jumped up so high he wouldn't fit in the frame or he dived.

"He came running in towards the net and I fired two frames as he lunged forward. This one I was very pleased with because it won me the Rolex Wimbledon Photograph of the year last year. I think it's Monfils at his absolute best. There have been some crackers over the years, and this is one of them."

]]>Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0100Inside the Photo Pithttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/07/09/inside-the-photo-pit
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/07/09/inside-the-photo-pitFrey, winner of the 2014 Wimbledon Photograph of the Year, wore a microphone for Sportsworld programme on the BBC World Service, sharing highlights of his day, which included shooting the moment Dustin Brown celebrated the biggest win of his career against two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal.

"There's two strips of seating either side of the court, both sunken so it is essentially a pit," Frey told Sportworld's Paddy O'Connell. "There are seats in there the photographers can use, they are almost at ground level so you are looking up at the players. There are two of these left in the world now; in New York and here at Wimbledon."

Frey added: "Every match is different and every match is an opportunity to try and pull something good out of it. When Dustin won that was a great opportunity; he went absolutely mad and that's a great picture.

"The winning picture (left) would be when Dustin Brown celebrated: he's got his mouth wide open, his head thrown back and he's screaming. It's a great picture."

]]>Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0100Behind the scenes at SW19http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/06/29/behind-the-scenes-at-sw19
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/06/29/behind-the-scenes-at-sw19It may be one of the biggest and most famous sporting events in the world, but Wimbledon is also one of the most intimate. Maybe it is because there is less room to spread out; most people stay within walking distance of the All England Club. In the days before the tournament starts, there are lots of parties and barbecues hosted by the management companies.

I’m staying at a house rented by adidas, about 10 minutes’ walk from the club. It’s where we will be distributing all the adidas kit for Wimbledon so all our sponsored athletes will come by to collect their grass court shoes and white clothing for The Championships.

Unlike at the other Grand Slams, where fans can watch their favourite players practise, at Wimbledon the players train away from the public at Aorangi Park. there is a tunnel that goes from the players’ area underneath the grounds to Aorangi, which makes it easier for the players, but I like to walk through the grounds. it’s busy and there’s a bit of pushing at times, but I love to soak up the atmosphere.

Wimbledon is also different to other events because the covers are only taken off the courts shortly before 10am and you can practise until 7pm, depending on the weather. Many players like to have early-morning practice sessions so there is a big fight for the 10am or 11am slots. In my experience, it is better to be flexible. If you book a court at 4pm you can generally stay on the court for two hours and really get some decent work done without being kicked off court or have to share with anyone else.

It pays to have a good relationship with the team who book the practice courts. I've known Peter Finn, who is in charge of the practice courts, since I first went to Wimbledon in 2008. I’ve always had a good relationship with Peter because of the sheer number of court bookings I’ve had to arrange over the years for all the adidas players. If I’m having to attend several practices, say I have a practice at 1pm with caroline Wozniacki then another at 2pm with Dominic Thiem, I will ask for the sessions to be on the same court or near to each other so I don’t have to run around like a maniac.

There are some courts over the road from Aorangi, where most of the doubles players practise. It’s a bit further to walk but it’s very quiet there; there are not many people watching and the media are not allowed there. I use those courts to work on something specific with a player and it’s great because there are no distractions and it’s more private.

The players often hang out at Aorangi Park, where there is a nice restaurant and a gym too. the facilities are great there but it can get quite busy so some of the top seeds will head over to the player restaurant in the Millennium Building next to Centre Court, where there is a nice terrace overlooking the grounds.

From there you can access the locker rooms. The members’ locker rooms on the ground floor are reserved for the top 16 seeds and former champions, then upstairs are the north and south men’s dressing rooms for the rest of the singles players, qualifiers and doubles players. I’ve never been in the ladies’ dressing rooms downstairs – even if you are coaching a female player you are not allowed in there.

The tour is a bit of a bubble. The players travel all over the world, but often all they see is the tennis complex and their hotel room. When we are in London i always encourage my players to do a bus tour if they have a day off. I tell them, go have a nice dinner, go to a museum or see a show and get away from the green of the grass and the players that you might face in the next 14 days. Last year i saw Mamma Mia with Dominic Thiem. I always encourage the players, especially the new ones on tour, to take advantage of the opportunities and soak it all up.

]]>Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100Patrick Mouratoglou: Grass preparationshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/06/24/patrick-mouratoglou-grass-preparations
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/06/24/patrick-mouratoglou-grass-preparations"If you see any photographs or video from Wimbledon dating back at least 15 or 20 years, take a careful look, especially if it was taken during the second week. Look where the grass is most worn: it will be in front of the baseline. Look at more recent photographs (or keep your eyes open at this summer's Championships) and you will see something different: the worn areas are behind the baseline."

In his exclusive column for tennishead, world-renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou explains how the grasscourt game has evolved and how the likes of Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Gael Monfils' preparations for the Championships differ.

Mouratoglou on Serena

"Serena Williams trains on hard courts back in the US and then goes straight to Wimbledon. Ideally you would train on grass before Wimbledon, but when you're talking about someone for whom playing on grass is very natural it's clearly not essential."

Mouratoglou on Monfils

"Gael Monfils is the world No.1 in terms of not needing matches before a Grand Slam. At times in the past he has not played for two months, gone straight into a Grand Slam and found his best form immediately."

]]>Wed, 24 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100At a losshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/06/02/at-a-loss
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/06/02/at-a-lossOne of the most critical times for a coach and player is during the moments after a defeat. In the lead-up to a tournament there are so many distractions. Sometimes you can have a conversation with your player but they're so pre-occupied that you might as well be talking to the chair.

In those moments after they have lost a match, though, there is a window of opportunity. Emotions are raw, there is sense of urgency, and they will look to you for advice. There’s no point talking in clichés and flattery – this is when as a coach you really earn your money. Being honest is not always easy.

In my job I get to observe practice sessions and sit in a player’s box, I get to hit on court, and talk to colleagues, players, their parents and agents. But sometimes there are moments where a player is really open for a conversation, and that’s when hopefully they will take advice on board and learn from the situation.

I had one of those conversations recently with a junior player and her father, who I know through the adidas Player Development Program. She is very talented, but is a bit like a rough diamond. She still has some work to do to reach her potential.

She had lost a match, she was in tears and they were having an argument. Her father was disappointed because he felt she had not executed their game plan. I just happened to walk by and so was able to offer a different perspective on the performance. Sometimes a 10-minute conversation with someone is more valuable than six months travelling with a player.

I had not seen the entire match, so I could not judge who was right or wrong, but I was able to offer a different look. In a situation like that, where I was not emotionally attached, it is easier to be frank. We talked about how important it is to have structure, especially at her stage in her career.

All players hate to lose. Often the fear of defeat is what drives them more than the joy of winning. We talked about making choices. It can be hard to do, especially if you are involved with a player on a day-to-day basis, but you always need to look at the bigger picture. I think that is what the best players are able to do – they always know what they are trying to achieve, whether it is out on court, in their physical training, their nutrition or their scheduling. There is always a purpose to everything they do. Even at the age of 15, juniors have to think like this already. It can be tough for parents who do not have a tennis background. My father is a great coach but did not have experience at the top level.

When a parent is that involved in their child’s career, they often need a consultant or an advisor more than a coach. Some coaches try to banish the parents from the court, but I try to work with the parents rather than against them . You have got to work in a complementary way - it is important to work as a team.

One day you need to be a friend and offer a shoulder to cry on, but on other occasions you must be a disciplinarian. Maybe you have to stop the practice session, and say, 'OK, this is not acceptable.' I think you need guts to do that because the players think they are the boss, which in a way they are because they are the employer. On the other hand, though, players have to learn to have confidence that their coach knows best and to trust the people around them.

This article originally appeared in tennishead Volume 6 Issue 2. Mats Merkel writes a regular column for tennishead. To read more from Mats, subscribe to the magazine today or download the latest digital magazine, available on Apple and Android devices.

]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100Thai tennis at Thanyapurahttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/05/29/thai-tennis-at-thanyapura
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/05/29/thai-tennis-at-thanyapuraPicture a holiday in Thailand and it might conjure visions of tranquil Buddhist temples, the famous nightlife of Bangkok or picture-perfect beaches and turquoise seas. But nestled on the edge of the Khao Phra Theo National Park in Phuket, is Thanyapura, a sporting oasis and perhaps the best-kept secret in tennis.

Meaning ‘land of abundance’ in Thai, Thanyapura certainly lives up to its name, boasting world-class sporting facilities that have attracted the likes of Maria Sharapova, F1 driver Jenson Button and four-time triathlon world champion Chris McCormack. Such is the appeal of the place that McCormack, who came to Thailand to train, fell for Thanyapura’s charms and decided to bring his family to Phuket and in December 2013 he was appointed executive chairman of the resort.

“I came here to train and fell in love with the place,” said McCormack. “Phuket is my sport’s emerging new powerbase and the opportunities are huge. However, I also deeply believe in Thanyapura’s brand promise: ‘Get more out of life’. It’s not just about high performance and winning races. Thanyapura is for everyone.”

Strolling around the 56 acres, it is hard to believe that Thanyapura has only been in existence since 2008. The sport and leisure club opened its doors in December 2011, but under the guidance of president and CEO Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, Thanyapura has lofty ambitions. Recently announced as an official training centre by FINA, the world’s governing body for swimming, it was also named Asia’s best tennis school by Tennis Resorts Online and hosted a Davis Cup tie between Thailand and Hong Kong in February 2014 following political unrest in Bangkok.

While the quality of the facilities makes the complex feel more like an Olympic park than a holiday resort, beyond the hotel reception is a more relaxed atmosphere. Set against the stunning backdrop of the rainforest, Thanyapura defies logic. The place buzzes with energy, the enthusiasm of the staff and guests is infectious, and yet away from the sporting arenas, the hotel and Mind Centre offer a peaceful sanctuary to get away from it all. It’s easy to see why Sharapova made a beeline for Thanyapura.

“I don’t think there’s a better place to be,” said Sharapova, who spent seven days there before the BNP Paribas WTA Finals in Singapore last October. “It’s always nice when you train in an environment where you’re surrounded by staff that are professionals, and other athletes. The work ethic is very different and that’s why it’s been so good to stay here.”

This is an excerpt from "Thai Takeaway" in tennishead Volume 6 Issue 2. To read the full article, subscribe to the magazine today or download the latest digital magazine, available on Apple and Android devices.

Sabine is just beginning to take her weight onto the back leg with a slight rocking motion identified by the raising of her front foot.

Notice how the right wrist is already flexible – allowing the racket head to drop – and this loose wrist will be an excellent source of power.

2

The normal way to serve is to sync the right arm going backwards with the left arm putting the ball up into the air.

However, there are many servers – particularly in the women's game – who put the ball up early, with the right arm having to play catch-up.

3

Her legs are ready to launch her upwards into the serve. Notice how high the ball toss is.

Essentially she serves extremely well but the high ball toss can become a problem, not only in the wind, but when a player gets nervous and has to time the upward drive to meet a falling ball.

4

This is a classic pose. Her chest is facing upwards and her head is well up too.

The racket head is dropped well behind her back and the wrist is beautifully relaxed for maximum speed and power as the arm unleashes upwards.

The legs have also driven up powerfully.

5

Her eyes are watching the ball closely and she is as tall as possible as she makes contact.

This picture alone is confirmation of why her serve is one of the best in the game.

When she times the rest of the action to get to this point she'll be hitting a high percentage of great serves.

6

This is a textbook landing with the head up, the spine straight, the right leg in perfect counterbalance position and the landing ballet-like.

Two things to notice – she has landed inside the court and her balance is so good that the foot is flat on the ground and straight.

Get frame-by-frame analysis of your favourite players' technique in every issue. Official ATP coach Dave Sammel, who has more than 25 years' experience in tennis, casts his eye over Sabine Lisicki's serve and Rafael Nadal's backhand in tennishead Volume 6 Issue 2. Subscribe to the magazine today or download the latest digital magazine, available on Apple and Android devices.

]]>Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 +0100The evolution of movementhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/04/22/the-evolution-of-movement
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/04/22/the-evolution-of-movementAs a coach, it is really important to not only talk about technique and strategy but movement because if you are not in the right position you won’t be able to apply that technique. So many of the top juniors can hit the cover off the ball but they don’t move well and it’s a vicious circle because it’s hard for them to have a clean technique if they are off-balance all the time.

I remember speaking to Andy Murray and his former strength and conditioning coach Jez Green a few years ago and they said defence has become much more important in today's game. And that is what the top guys are doing so well. Time and time again you see Novak Djokovic in full control of a rally and capable of hitting a winner, even when he has been pulled wide and you think he’s on the back foot.

That’s where these guys have taken tennis to anotherlevel. The way players move on cour thas changed as much as racket technology. Ten years ago if you had taught a player with a single-handed backhand to hit open stance everyone would have said you were bonkers.

I recently presented at a coaching conference organised by Tennis Australia. There were around 350 coaches from all over the country and another 70 coaches from overseas. I had the privilege of presenting after Nick Bollettieri. I was talking about the evolution of movement in tennis and what the players, particularly the top guys, are doing so well. As Bollettieri said to me after my presentation, “you can't hit what you can't reach”.

It’s about being able to move economically, not taking more steps than you need to, and how you recover and move back into position. As a coach you should offer your player as many tools as possible – there is not one right answer. If you’re moving into the forehand corner do you go right-left-right or do you jump or hit on the right and then land on the left? Do you cross over? If you watch Andy Murray hit a backhand he will hit on the right leg, push off and land so right away he can recover again. For the best players it is all about he next shot, but they don’t think about it because they have trained off the court so many times that it is muscle memory. It is a process that is implanted in their brains and it is instinctive.

That is what I wanted to stress: forehands and backhands are great, tactical patterns are important, but how do you apply those if you are not in position?

I am a big advocate of stroke training devices because I believe if you want to make a change or explain something to kids you have to make it very visible and you have to show them what you want them to do. You start off walking very slowly towards the training aid and execute the stroke while thinking about your movement. When you feel more comfortable you can do it faster, and then develop it using both corners, always moving back to the centre, and then you build it into a live drill.

Last season Milos Raonic enlisted the help of a biomechanics expert to help him improve his back- hand. They recorded his practice sessions and helped him maximise his efficiency, explaining how kinetic chains work. I tip my hat to Milos and his coaches Riccardo Piatti and Ivan Ljubicic because they have done a tremendous job and that stroke has improved a lot. That project only worked because Milos was able to see the evidence for himself rather than have a coach try and explain what he needed to improve.

Not all players have had a full education so it is impossible for them to know everything. They need experts from specific fields to fill in the gaps, whether that is biomechanics or nutrition. But all of this advice from experts has to be tailor-made. You cannot just say you shouldn’t eat any carbs or you must hit your backhand in this particular way, for example.

Once upon a time a player had a coach in his box. Now he will have whole team of experts in all aspects of the game from fitness to nutrition and psychology. I was watching a replay of Boris Becker versus Ivan Lendl recently and they were great athletes, but I am curious how good they would be now with all the nutritionists and analysts that the players benefit from in today’s game.

There are still some players who don’t believe in it all, and I respect that, but more than anything I admire players who are investing in their careers. I remember seeing Kei Nishikori in the gym about five years ago and I saw how hard he was working, not just lifting weights but really specific stuff, small muscle groups. I was speechless and I knew then he was going to do something special.

In the locker room you earn your respect not just by winning matches but the hard work you put in off the court. If you are committed and dedicated you earn the respect of your fellow players

]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0100Maturing nicelyhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/03/30/maturing-nicely
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/03/30/maturing-nicelyMartina Navratilova remembers when she started to slow down. “I could tell I was not moving as well as I used to,” said the nine- time Wimbledon singles champion, who played her last match as a professional just before her 50th birthday. “I noticed it when I was in my late 30s. The fast twitch [muscle fibres] just slow down. It’s not much, but you do notice it. It’s frustrating because you feel the same but the results are not the same.”

Decreased speed of movement is just one of the changes that happen to our bodies as they age. While bone strength decreases, body fat is prone to increase and muscle mass drops too. Maximum heart rate and aerobic capacity fall and we become less flexible.

Playing tennis regularly can help delay many of these changes, but reduced strength, speed and flexibility are unavoidable, no matter how often you play. While many senior players enjoy playing recreationally, the likes of John McEnroe, Goran Ivanisevic, Pat Cash and Ivan Lendl compete on the ATP Champions Tour, which came to London’s Royal Albert Hall in December for the final event of the 2014 season.

As well as the former professionals, there is a thriving competitive scene for veterans’ tennis. The British over-40s women are world champions after winning gold at the ITF Seniors World Team Championships in Florida, while William Collins, born in 1929, won the over-85 men’s singles title at the British Seniors’ Grass Court Championships at Aorangi Park in August.

Research shows that tennis can use up to 60% of a veteran’s full physical ability, which means that playing tennis regularly can help to decrease the rate of decline in VO2 max (the rate of oxygen consumption), which occurs with age.

While the physical (not to mention the psychological and social) benefits of tennis are obvious, older players’ hearts work harder than those of younger people. Consequently a veteran who plays competitively must be physically fit to play tennis. They should not be playing tennis in order to become physically fit.

Cross-training such as jogging, cycling and swimming will help increase aerobic fitness levels for tennis, but interval sessions, such as fartlek training or a game of squash or racketball, help simulate the irregular patterns of tennis matchplay.

Research also suggests that physical fatigue does not result from muscle lactate accumulation but from a decrease in the speed of heart rate recovery immediately after a point is played. The anaerobic energy system plays a reduced role in veteran singles, so training that invokes high levels of blood lactate should be avoided. Any interval training should be at a lower intensity and the work-to-rest ratio should be adapted accordingly.

Strength and flexibility training is recommended at all ages, but exercises can help prevent the vast majorities of injuries sustained by veteran players. Common injuries include tennis elbow and ruptures of the rotator cuff (shoulder), as well as generic muscle tears and ligament degeneration.

As well as reducing the risk of injury and increasing strength and mobility, strength and flexibility training can help slow down the rate of bone mineral loss and reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the artery walls). A daily stretching routine combined with resistance training three times a week can help play an important role in preventing injury. Exercises should focus on addressing tennis-specific muscular imbalances as well as improving strength and control of the core shoulders, knees and hips.

As your body ages, it takes longer to repair itself. Bones, muscles, joints and ligaments are not what they used to be, and in the event of an injury it is important to give the body time to recover. However, while the body needs time to heal, rehabilitation will require a balance between adequate rest and the need for active movement to prevent a loss in the range of joint motion that can be exaggerated due to the stiffening of connective tissue with age.

With careful planning, recovery and training, you’ll not only be able to play tennis to stay fit and healthy, but stay fit and healthy to play tennis.

]]>Mon, 30 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0100Tennis coach as sports psychologisthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/03/19/tennis-coach-as-sports-psychologist
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/03/19/tennis-coach-as-sports-psychologistWhen I was a player it was so important for me that I had a coach who I could look up to who was always positive. I never really gave 100% when I travelled with someone who I felt didn’t fully support me. It’s so important to have somebody in your corner who has your back.

Every player is different. Some players need psyching up before a match while others need help staying calm. But it’s really important to always use positive language to keep encouraging your player in a way that they know you are behind them, even if they have a bad day at the office.

I’ve worked with players who didn’t give their all and that’s something I find tough to deal with. But it’s my job to use the right words to educate and encourage them and make them aware that they are responsible for themselves. They might have a team of people who want what is best for them, but during the match they are on their own, all alone out there in the arena like a bullfighter.

When I am sitting in a player’s box during a match I am very conscious of my body language all the time. The most important thing is to stay positive and always encourage them, and if you can’t do that, at least wear dark glasses!

I’ve had players look up to the box and give me a look as if to say, 'What am I doing wrong?' If a player gets close you want to say something constructive to them rather than just ‘bad luck’ or ‘well done’. Before the match you will have analysed the opponent’s game and talked about tactics so trigger words can help reinforce what you have said and help the player refocus.

In women’s tennis there is the opportunity for oncourt coaching during toilet breaks, medical timeouts and during the odd changeover. As a coach you have to be prepared for this eventuality at all times because you must have something constructive to offer.

When used properly, stats can be so advantageous. Players can be stubborn sometimes but having cold hard facts can help reinforce your point. If the stats are really bad I’m not sure it is helpful to show them to a player, but if there is something that really stands out, for example if the opponent always serves out wide at 15-30, then you can give them two or three things like this and it can be a big help.

Personally I’m not a big fan of on-court coaching. While it can really help a player, it’s not allowed at the Grand Slams when the stakes are higher. For example, during the US hard-court swing your player might have had your input during matches in the lead-up to the US Open in tournaments like Stanford, Toronto, Cincinnati and New Haven, and then she is all alone on the biggest stage at Flushing Meadows. If her opponent takes a medical timeout or a comfort break she is sat there alone with her thoughts. It’d be great to have somebody sat on your bench all the time like a captain during the Davis Cup or Fed Cup, but for one changeover I’m not sure how much difference it really makes.

A rain delay presents a greater opportunity to really make a difference, but sometimes it isn’t even about tactics or statistics. I was working with Thiemo de Bakker during the 2010 French Open and in the second round he was playing the No.32 seed Guillermo Garcia Lopez. I had to leave his match during the first set because Caroline Wozniacki was playing and none of my adidas colleagues were available. There must have been a miscommunication because Thiemo was not aware of the fact that I would not be there for the whole match.

When I left the match he was winning the first set but when I came back he had lost the second set and was struggling but fortunately there was a rain delay in the third. We didn’t talk about the match, we just had a frank conversation about the misunderstanding and he told me how upset he was that I had left. He was able to express his emotions and move on. It was a critical rain delay and an important conversation because he probably would have lost that match. I was able to make sure he channelled his energy into winning the match, which he did in four sets.

I like to read articles to help me learn more about psychology and mental strength because I think it makes me a better coach. I recently read a book called 'Crucial conversations: tools for talking when the stakes are high' which has helped me talk to players and their entourage.

In November I did a workshop to learn about how people tick. Everybody is different and some people can be really hard to read. Everybody requires a different approach and that is why it is so important as a coach or a physical trainer or an agent that you are open to new things and willing to learn. If you are continuously improving yourself you give your player the best chance to help them improve and to maximize their potential.

If I had to sum up my approach to coaching in one word, it would be commitment. That word worked for me as a player and it works now as a coach. Commit. You have to commit to your game plan, commit to your training or commit to your entire career. I say it a lot, but tennis is a job and if you aren’t dedicated then maybe you should be looking for another career.

]]>Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000Taking one for the teamhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/03/05/taking-one-for-the-team
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/03/05/taking-one-for-the-teamFor a singles player, tennis, like golf, is essentially an individual sport. But team competitions like the Davis Cup and Fed Cup offer another layer to competition.

For some, it is an unwelcome variation to their routine. For others, the sensation of being part of a team helps raise their game. Henri Leconte never won a Grand Slam singles title, but relished the atmosphere of the Davis Cup, famously beating Pete Sampras in the final when France defied the odds to win the title in 1991.

Leconte reached the final at Roland Garros in 1988, but the left-hander, who compiled a 41-25 record for France over 13 years, valued the team competition over majors.

"For us, the Davis Cup came before the Grand Slams in importance," he said. "I think it's very important to play for your country."

“Henri was phenomenal for his country but on the tour, although a fantastic player, he could not reach the same heights as in the Davis Cup,” says Dave Sammel, ATP coach and author of “Locker Room Power”.

As well as building social skills and honing communication skills, team sports can dismantle cultural barriers, help build self-esteem and establish accountability, explains Shameema Yousuf, a sports psychology consultant and founder of Empower2Perform.

“Individuals develop a sense of belonging by participating in team sports,” says Yousuf. “It also allows individuals to socialise and build camaraderie with others that they may compete against in other circumstances. These essential life lessons enable juniors in particular to prosper in all environments as they learn that a competitor is not necessarily your foe.”

Former French Open champion Iva Majoli played 22 ties for Croatia between 1993 and 2004 and is now captain of a young team featuring promising teenagers Donna Vekic and Ana Konjuh.

“The tour is very difficult, you play every week and you are often alone,” says Majoli. “The girls are happy to get together and have a nice week playing for their country instead of themselves. Lots of players bring an extra 30%; they really want to play their best. We feel like a family and I try to give them as much advice as I can.”

While on-court coaching is not permitted on the ATP Tour and at the Grand Slams, a Davis Cup or Fed Cup captain can offer advice from the bench. “Tactical changes can definitely influence a match,” says Sammel, “but the other thing that’s very important is that you can give a player fantastic perspective during a changeover.

“Having support, not just from the captain but the rest of the team is critical. I think it’s important that when teams are playing each other that the benches have a balanced look. Psychologically that’s very important.

“I remember a Davis Cup match when Great Britain played USA and Jim Courier beat Tim Henman in the opening rubber. They had a lot of guys on their bench and they were making so much noise. I told the captain that we needed to balance the benches, and I believe that had an influence on the outcome of the doubles the next day.”

The inaugural International Premier Tennis League provided fans with the chance to support a team as well as individual players, while more than 25,000 players took part in the LTA’s Aegon Team Tennis competition last year.

Playing for a team can bring extra pressure, but for most, the team environment offers a different level of support, competition and camaraderie, making a solitary sport more enjoyable.

]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000The physiological impact of stresshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/02/27/the-physiological-impact-of-stress
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/02/27/the-physiological-impact-of-stressThose butterflies you feel before a big match are caused by a lack of blood in your stomach. Pre-match nerves and anxiety are part and parcel of a tennis player’s life. Whatever level you play at, you’ll no doubt have felt that nervous tension in the pit of your stomach on match day. Some players are able to channel the excitement, while for others it can be severely debilitating.

Understanding how your body reacts in stressful situations can help you deal with anxiety. Your on-court performance should improve, too. Our stress response is controlled by the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. The fight-or-flight mechanism helps ensure we have the energy to combat the stress of a situation, by signalling the need to break down glycogen stores or initiate the conversion of fat or protein to produce energy, where glycogen isn’t available.

For some the stress is defined as ‘eustress’ which is an excitement or euphoric state accompanied by a ‘seize the day’ attitude, while for others it is ‘distress’ – the heightened anxiety that can knock a player off their game, often seen in the early stages of a match.

However, stress can also impact on digestion and can have serious consequences. When our body sends blood to our muscles, it reduces the blood flow to other organs, and our digestive function and immune response are two systems that are considered less important during times of stress. When stress impacts on digestion it can not only cause unwelcome symptoms, but also affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively.

Production of cortisol reduces the secretion of hydrochloric acid, the main component of stomach acid. Not only is this the first line of defence for destroying any food-borne bacteria or pathogens, but it is needed in order to release digestive enzymes which start the job of breaking down food into the molecules that will later be absorbed in the intestines. It is also needed to help absorb specific nutrients in the stomach and to produce the carrier molecule that allows us to absorb vitamin B12 from our food – one of the main catalysts in energy production within the body.

If pathogenic bacteria reach the small intestines they can affect the balance of microflora (naturally-occurring bacteria found in the gut), which in turn can reduce the barrier protection to the gut wall – already compromised due to the down-regulation of the immune system. We carry around 80% of our immune antibodies in and around the digestive tract because this is actually our biggest interface with ‘the outside world’.

Cortisol slows down our immune function, so the antibodies that normally protect the gut and surrounding tissue from harmful bodies are reduced, leaving us more susceptible to gut-derived toxins and bacteria, which can cause bloating, cramping, pain and diarrhoea. Worse still, the lack of gut defence could lead to the development of food intolerances, which can result in symptoms such as fatigue, muscle or joint pain, or brain fog.

Similarly, if the gut flora is disturbed and digestive enzymes are not being produced appropriately, the body will struggle to absorb the nutrients from even the most perfect diet, leaving you depleted in energy and recovery nutrients. So in order to avoid nasty symptoms such as stomach cramps and diarrhoea, there are two areas to address. Firstly, managing the release of the hormone cortisol on match day is more of a psychological issue than a nutritional one. However, managing cortisol levels the rest of the time will help diminish the effects on an ongoing basis. After all, it is not just tennis that can stress us out: busy jobs, home and family life and exam stress will all elicit the same reaction.

Skipping meals means the body has to release cortisol to break down stored energy, so eating three good meals and two snacks per day can help reduce demand. Eating a high-sugar diet will cause energy dips that will see more pressure being put on cortisol release, so stick to low GI food choices: instead of processed foods, refined sugars and saturated fats choose whole-grains, plenty of fruit and vegetables and lean protein in the form of chicken, turkey or fish. And avoid stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine – so coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks are out!

The second area to consider is ensuring that gut function is restored to normal. You can stimulate stomach acid production by starting the day with a cup of hot water and lemon, taking a spoonful of apple cider vinegar before each meal, and including bitter foods like radishes, artichokes, beetroot, lemon, garlic, ginger, turmeric and dark green or red leaves. Beneficial gut bacteria thrive on fibre, whereas pathogenic bacteria like to feed on sugar, so eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and cutting out sugary foods will help to rebalance your gut flora.

If you still experience digestive disturbance you may need some specialist advice from a nutritional therapist or sports dietician who can organise tests to understand the complete picture and help restore your gut to better health.

]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000Getting in tunehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/01/23/getting-in-tune
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/01/23/getting-in-tune"In a locker room at a Grand Slam, there are 128 players at the beginning,” says Andy Murray. “It’s very, very loud with coaches and physical trainers. I would say 90 per cent of the players listen to music before they go out on court.”

Murray, who counts Ed Sheeran among his favourite musicians to listen to before a match, uses music to maintain his focus. But drowning out noise isn’t the only reason to plug in the headphones.

“Music can affect brain structures and has been found to enhance visual perception, attention, motor control and elicit emotional responses,” says Shameema Yousuf, a sports psychology consultant and founder of Empower2Perform.

Researchers at Brunel University in London studied tennis players’ use of music as a pre-performance strategy and found that players who listened to fast, loud music had faster reaction times, more positive emotional states and higher arousal levels.

“If it’s bad music, it’s going to be a bad match,” says Victoria Azarenka, who listens to tunes as she walks on court. “I choose it very carefully. Music helps me focus, pump you up, get your feet moving, kind of get excited. I get in the zone. It makes me feel good inside. When I feel good inside, I love to go out there and do the best job I can.”

But while some players use music as a stimulus to psych themselves up for a match, others use it to keep calm and not get overwhelmed by the situation. Former British Davis Cup player Barry Cowan famously listened to Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone on his Walkman during changes of ends when he took Pete Sampras to five sets at Wimbledon in 2001. However, tournament rules have changed and many do not allow the use of mp3 and musical players on court during play

“Music can act as a sedative or a stimulant,” Dr Costas Karageorghis, head of the Music in Sport Research group at Brunel University, told the BBC’s Raise Your Game. “Music with a fast tempo can be used to pump you up prior to competition, or slower music can be used to calm your nerves and help you focus. It is considered by some athletes to be a legal drug with no unwanted side effects.”

“A player must develop emotional awareness,” Yousuf said: “It is important for an athlete to recognise when they are over-excited and need calming, or are feeling flat and need to psych up. “If your heartbeat is racing before stepping on court, it may be unwise to play a high-tempo tune.” “Classical music may work better."

Psyching up or down?

→ Work out what you need from the music as a performance enhancer. Do you need help getting pumped up, or a tune to help you stay calm?

Play around

→ Don’t be afraid to try new songs, but make a note of how it makes you feel and develop an understanding of what improves your performance

Sport is all about being as good as you can be throughout each and every moment and having the concentration and confidence to use your skills to their full extent in spite of the pressure. This philosophy requires bravery, the bravery to control your fear and to play freely without the tension that fear imposes – to PlayBrave.”

]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000Coaching opportunities in the USAhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/01/16/coaching-opportunities-in-the-usa
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2015/01/16/coaching-opportunities-in-the-usaHow did you first hear about BUNAC?
I first heard about BUNAC through a university friend who was doing a summer camp. He said, “If you’re looking for something to do over the summer, why don’t you check out BUNAC?”

How did you go about applying to BUNAC?
The application process was really easy. I had to write a little bit about myself and select up to three activities that I could teach. It’s a bit like applying for a job – you tell them about your experience working with kids and why you think you would be a good counsellor.

I was invited to an interview with someone at BUNAC where we chatted about my skillset and whether I would be suitable for camp. We talked through a few scenarios and how I would act in those situations. Once I had been approved, my application was sent off to the States and circulated around the camps. One of the camps got in contact. I did a Skype interview with the camp director who then offered me a place at the camp.

Did you have any previous coaching experience?
I had limited coaching experience, which I was a little worried about to begin with, but I had been playing tennis for quite a long time. The guy that ran the tennis section was great. He told us the basics of how to teach tennis to younger kids and then some of the more advanced guys who had coaching experience went on to teach the better kids who competed in camp tournaments.

Did you have any expectations of the camp before you went?
For some reason I imagined that everyone would sleep in tents, but it definitely isn’t. It was all very modern with really nice log cabins and great facilities. I really didn’t know what to expect but it was nice to arrive at this camp on a beautiful lake in the woods so if anything it exceeded my expectations.

Did you do any training before you went?
I didn’t have any training before I arrived at the camp, but they have a week or two-week orientation before the kids arrive. You spend that time learning the ropes, learning about safety and in my case how to coach tennis.

What was the best part of your BUNAC experience?
I had a lot of kids who improved their tennis over the summer and that was really satisfying. There were a few kids who were ambivalent towards tennis but we did lots of fun games. It was really great to see some of the kids, who at the beginning weren’t bothered, became really excited about getting involved.

Has your experience inspired you to find a career working with kids?
I’m going to Cambodia in February to teach English, so it has definitely inspired me to work with children. I’m not sure I’ll end up as a teacher but I’m keen to carry on working with kids, especially in sport because it’s something I really enjoy.

Is there anything you would have done differently in hindsight?
If I did it all again I think I would take a better tennis racket! I took one of my old rackets, which I thought would be fine but when you’re playing almost every day of the summer it does tend to fall apart. I ended up restringing it about five or six times.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to BUNAC?
Just go for it. Try and get as much experience working with kids as possible as they can be tricky at times and the more exposure you get the better you are at dealing with situations. It will definitely be a really good adventure.

I made some really good friends from all around the world including Australia and America. It’s a unique place where everybody goes and doesn’t know anyone else so everyone is keen to make friends – it’s a bit like freshers’ week at university.

BUNAC is looking for dedicated, energetic coaches and instructors to lead tennis sessions at camp to children aged 6-16 this upcoming summer. They’re holding recruitment fairs in London on January 25 and Manchester on January 27 for you to meet summer camp directors directly and get hired on the spot. Give them a call today to book your spot 033 3999 7516 or click here.

]]>Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000Tailoring Tuitionhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/12/17/tailoring-tuition
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/12/17/tailoring-tuition"Men’s tennis and women’s tennis are almost two separate sports," Serena Williams says. “If I was to play Andy Murray I would lose 6-0 6-0 in five to six minutes, maybe 10 minutes.”

But after 18 Grand Slam singles titles and more than 200 weeks spent at the top of the world rankings, Williams’ view is decidedly more modest than when she was a teenager. In 1998, when she was just 16, Williams took on the world No.203 Germany's Karsten Braasch in Melbourne after she and sister Venus claimed they could beat any male player ranked outside the top 200.

Braasch, who claimed his training regime “consisted of a leisurely round of golf in the morning followed by a couple of shandies” saw off Serena 6-1 before beating Venus 6-2. “It was extremely hard,” said 16-year-old Serena who was ranked No.53 in the world at the time. “I didn’t know it would be that hard.”

No matter how many weights she lifted, Serena was fighting a losing battle against nature. Technical, tactical, physical and mental differences exist between male and female players. Even if girls get the same training as boys, differences will emerge throughout their development.

At a physiological level, a typical male player will have 40% muscle mass and 20% fat tissue, while a female player has less muscle (36%) and more fat tissues (30%) as a percentage of overall body composition. By the age of 30, female adults on average possess 50% less muscle mass than males. While resistance exercise and weight training will help a female boost their muscle mass, lower levels of testosterone in the body mean the degree of hypertrophy (muscle enlargement) is smaller.

Anatomical differences between boys and girls become more pronounced during puberty. For girls, the onset of puberty is on average two years before boys and so they mature physically earlier. Often girls are taller than boys, and in many cases physically more developed, from the age of 10 to early teens.

Back in 1993, Williams was 11 when she took on a 10-year-old Andy Roddick in Florida. While the scoreline is up for debate (Williams claims she won 6-1; Roddick insists it was 6-4), a more physically mature Serena won. Females can expect to achieve their maximum physical performance from around 15 or 16, while for males it is not until they are 18 or even 20 that they are physically strong enough to compete on the senior tour. While Williams made her professional debut in 1995, aged 14, Roddick did not make his ATP debut until 2000, when he was 17. He won his first Grand Slam title in 2003 aged 21; Williams won her first a couple of weeks before her 18th birthday.

Due to the anatomical differences between men and women, a female’s groundstroke tends to have less topspin. With greater arm and shoulder strength, a male player is able to brush up and across the ball on contact. The ability to hit topspin affects game styles, strategy and tactics. To hit hard, females, who generally hit flatter, stand further up the court, enabling them to hit the ball earlier and use the speed of the oncoming ball to create pace.

With the serve playing a less dominant role in women’s tennis, the return game is arguably more important. Recent research by Australian statistics professor Rod Cross, based on Grand Slam performances over the past 12 years, the average first serve speed for men was 25 kilometres an hour faster than women, and 17kph on second serve. At pro level, men win about 80% of service games, while women win 65%.

As power in the female game increases, the pace and importance of the serve for females grows, but with a break of serve roughly every three games at professional level, the return of serve is one of the most important shots. Coaches working with females often prioritise the return of serve. In particular they look at how to improve the neutralising return off a first serve and an offensive return on a second serve.

There are more than just physical differences between men and women; there are psychological differences that affect competition and how players respond to coaching. Even at a young age, boys are typically more competitive and will seek out active games and competition, while girls tend to value personal improvement over winning. So female players are more likely to focus on task-oriented goals, while males focus on outcome and compare results and rankings with their rivals.

Coaches often adjust their approach when working with females; the way in which the coach delivers criticism and praise can influence the way a message is received.

About Tennis iCoachTennis iCoach is the International Tennis Federation’s official coaching platform. Access expert coaching from around the world on technique, tactics, biomechanics, psychology, sports medicine and methodology.www.tennisicoach.com

]]>Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000Patrick Mouratoglou: Recipe for successhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/12/15/patrick-mouratoglou-recipe-for-success
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/12/15/patrick-mouratoglou-recipe-for-successI have a good friend who is a high-powered businessman but also a tennis lover. He always says to me: “If I’m doing business with someone and I want to find out more about him, I play tennis with him. I always find out very quickly on the tennis court what kind of person he is.”

That’s one of the things that I love about tennis. When you go to a tournament, whatever the level is, and whether it’s for 40- year-olds who play for pleasure or for young players who want to become professionals, you find out so much about people.

When I recruit young players to my academy I want to assess their tennis ability and their physical capacity, but I also want to find out about their characters. The tennis court is one of the best places to make that judgement. Some people might say they are real fighters, for example, but it’s not until you put them into a stressful situation – which you can do on the tennis court – that you understand whether they are what they say they are.

At this stage of the year we are finalising our next intake of students at the academy. It is possible for players to join at other times, but for the most part we follow the school year. We take young players from the age of 11 upwards, though there have been one or two cases where they have been younger. We have a school attached to the academy which the players attend. They can follow the French education programme or they can do American studies, leading to an American diploma. We assist them after that if they want to get scholarships at the best American universities.

We want our students to be as successful in school as they are on the tennis court. We aim to make our students good tennis players, but it is just as important to give them the chance to have the best possible life outside tennis. It’s a fact that some of the people who come to the academy will not go on to become professional tennis players, so it’s vital that they leave us equipped to do other things with their lives.

Even for those who go on to enjoy careers as professional players, I think it’s important to have interests outside tennis. When you’re on the tour you have a lot of free time. It will be to your advantage if you can occupy those hours with something that is going to benefit you as a person, rather than just playing video games. You also have to appreciate that your career is going to be over by the time you are 30 or 35. It’s important that you look at the big picture, not just your immediate life as a tennis player.

I always encourage my students to carry on with their studies, no matter what age they are. I know some top professional players who at 22 or 23 realised that it was still important to have an education and went back to their academic work. Thanks to modern communications, you can now do that at the same time as playing tennis around the world.

We have about 40 players on our elite programme. The numbers are limited by our present infrastructure, which is why we are moving from Paris to the south of France in the near future. We hope eventually to have up to 150 players. I think having a big group can generate a lot of energy and can be very motivating for everyone, though we will always make sure that everyone’s programme is personalised so that it meets their individual needs.

We set aside a number of weeks during the year when we invite potential students to attend the academy to enable us to assess them – and to give them a chance to assess us. More than 90 per cent of the players in our programme are people who have approached us, but there have been times when I have seen players at a tournament and invited them to come to us for a trial.

That was how Marcos Baghdatis and Grigor Dimitrov came to the academy. I saw them both in tournaments when they were 14 and invited them to visit the academy. I wanted to look at them, but I thought it was also important that they had a look at us. I wanted them to experience the academy and to be 100 per cent sure that it was the best place for them. Marcos came with his father and actually spent two weeks with us at the start. A few years later I was coaching Marcos when I asked Grigor if he wanted to come and spend some time with us as Marcos’ hitting partner.

We assess potential students from both an academic and a tennis point of view. We look at their tennis, their fitness, their physical potential and their academic ability. Just as importantly, we test their character and their level of motivation. There is usually a big gap between what people say about their goals or their motivation and what they are actually doing to achieve those goals. The best way to find out what they really want is to put them in a very difficult and very stressful situation. Watch how they react and you will find out a lot about them.

In assessing young players it’s not all about pure talent. Basic athletic ability and the right attitude count for so much. I would prefer to work with a young player who has good athleticism and strong motivation but not necessarily outstanding tennis ability, rather than with someone who is very talented with a racket in their hand but doesn’t have the right approach. Sometimes very talented players want to join tennis academies simply because they don’t like school. They won’t be happy with us because we put as much emphasis on academic work as we do on tennis.

We don’t judge people by what they have achieved already. We’re more interested in what they can achieve in the future. I believe that most people don’t know their potential and could do much better. It’s important to see a young person’s level of motivation, their work ethic and their self-belief. I do believe there is a minimum level of self-esteem that is necessary to achieve big things in life.

It’s often possible to assess all those things even when players are very young. I used to manage players as well as coach them and I remember signing Caroline Wozniacki when she was just 10 and Marion Bartoli when she was 16. They were both hard workers and great fighters. I sensed they would have what was needed to reach the top, even though many other people did not see that in them.

Marion’s level was not very high, but I signed her after watching her play in the French under-16 championships. I just thought she had a great attitude. I remember someone from one of the world’s biggest management companies saying to me a couple of years later: “If she succeeds in tennis, I will go and open a bar.” The funny thing is, when I stopped working with Bartoli, when she was 24, she signed with this person. And he still hasn’t opened his bar.

Even when Wozniacki was 10 I could see the qualities that eventually took her to the top. What I liked was her feeling for the game and the fact that she knew how to win. Sometimes you watch a match and you think one player is playing better but it’s the other player who wins. Some play great tennis but don’t find a way to win, others are less impressive but always come out on top. I remember Tommy Robredo when he was 17. He wasn’t at all impressive as a player but he was always winning. It was no surprise that he went on to become a top 10 player.

Most people weren’t convinced about Baghdatis when he was a junior, but I believed he had what it took. At 20 he reached the final of the Australian Open and in the same year he made the semi-finals at Wimbledon and reached No.8 in the world.

]]>Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000Food for refuellinghttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/12/03/food-for-refuelling
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/12/03/food-for-refuellingIt’s always tempting after a tough match or training session to switch off for a while. But as the top players know, preparation for the next match starts the moment you step off court.

Between one and four hours of exhaustive exercise leaves the body depleted of energy reserves and if you want to perform at your best, the process of restoring the body starts immediately.

When provided with the correct fuel, the body is extremely efficient at storing energy. We have glycogen stores in the liver and skeletal muscles; liver glycogen stores are mainly used to fuel the brain - to keep cognitive processes firing, while muscle glycogen provides the fuel the body needs to keep moving.

Maintaining these glycogen stores is key to supporting the recovery process and the vital ingredient is carbohydrate. Evidence shows that exercised muscles are more receptive to delivery and absorption of nutrients, so the timing of glycogen replenishment is key. During the two-hour window after exercise muscles are more sensitive to insulin, meaning that sugars from carbohydrate can be absorbed at a faster rate. But if carbohydrate consumption is delayed by two hours, the rate of muscle glycogen synthesis can decrease by as much as 50%.

Full glycogen recovery can take in excess of 20 hours so maintaining an intake of good-quality carbohydrate during this time will be beneficial. The most effective way to refuel is regular snacking and consumption of carbohydrate split into equal quantities.

Different carbohydrates have different effects on insulin and therefore sugar uptake. Fructose, although a simple carbohydrate, is not as effective as glucose or sucrose. This doesn’t mean you can’t snack on a banana post-exercise, but it won’t be enough if you’ve got to recover quickly for another match or training session.

Due to absorption limitations, the first two hours may be best suited to easily absorbable replacements, such as sports drinks. These fluids will also help with rehydration and provide carbohydrate, proteins and electrolytes that are easily absorbed.

Understanding how much carbohydrate you should be eating for glycogen replacement will help you refuel more efficiently. Elite tennis players will eat between 6-10g per kilogram of body weight per day to ensure glycogen stores are always full – women will be at the lower end of the scale, men higher – with small variations to accommodate changes in training schedules.

The professionals understand the consequences of poor post-match recovery. It doesn’t take long for the energy reserves to become so depleted that symptoms of overtraining, such as fatigue and poor immune function, become apparent – once you get to this stage it becomes harder to recover.

Longer term, there may be more serious injury worries. If muscle glycogen is depleted, muscles become weaker and are no longer as effective at absorbing shock. For a tennis player this is a problem from the feet up. If shinbones aren’t fully supported they will start to feel the impact normally absorbed by the muscle. This could lead to stress fractures, and an unwelcome injury lay-off.

So what about protein? Studies show that including protein with the carbohydrate recovery food speeds up glycogen replenishment by increasing the uptake of sugar. For an optimal postexercise snack, look for options such as chocolate milk, a couple of portions of fruit with milk or drinking yoghurt, a handful of nuts and dried fruit, a jacket potato with tuna, or a sandwich with a protein filling such as cheese, tuna, peanut butter or egg. For main meals, high or medium GI foods including rice, pasta or potato with a healthy serving of vegetables and a serving of lean meat or fish is optimal.

And, of course, protein is essential for muscle recovery. Muscle tissue is damaged during exercise, and needs to repair – which is why you feel achy in the days after a heavy workout (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Helping muscle to rebuild after exercise involves delivering good quality protein that can be quickly absorbed and utilised to limit damage and speed recovery.

Inflammation is part of the recovery process for muscle tissue - it happens when the immune system begins to deliver white blood cells (leukocytes) to help remove and rebuild muscle cells and fibres. Part of this process results in the onset of oxidative stress. The repair process involves chemical reactions that produce Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS) – also known as Free Radicals. Left unchecked ROS can cause more damage to tissue, impeding recovery, so the body needs to be equipped with antioxidants to help offset ROS activity.

If you are regularly training at a high intensity, the body adapts and produces its own antioxidants. These players are less likely to experience DOMS, a side effect of ROS activity. However, dietary sources of antioxidants, particularly the vitamins A, C, and E are important to ensure that the body is fully supported in its recovery.

]]>Wed, 03 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +00002015 World Tour Finals Ball Kids Registration Openhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/11/21/2015-world-tour-finals-ball-kids-registration-open
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/11/21/2015-world-tour-finals-ball-kids-registration-openThis year saw over 1000 young hopefuls compete in regional and national trials for the chance to appear on court with the world’s top eight players.

More than 100 people registered an interest for next year’s competition at this year’s Fan Zone area in the O2 Arena, and anyone has the chance to attend a regional trial. Successful entrants will then go through to a national trial where 100 ball kids will be whittled down to the final 30 who appear on the famous blue courts.

15-year-old ball kid Olive Coles said: “It is so surreal being on court with players you have looked up to your whole life, the experience is unbelievable and a great opportunity. I would recommend everyone go to their nearest trial next year.”

The 2014 crop were chosen because they represented the true spirit of the game and excelled in teamwork, focus, dedication and attitude. The ball kid programme gives young people a chance to learn new skills, meet new people and appear on court with their tennis heroes.

]]>Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000One hand or two?http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/11/18/one-hand-or-two
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/11/18/one-hand-or-twoThe theory used to be that shorter people should play with a double-handed backhand and the taller players, because they are often less mobile but have a better reach, should play single handed.

A good example of this theory is Pete Sampras compared with Andre Agassi, but of course there are always exceptions to the rule – the 6ft 6in Todd Martin had a really good double-handed backhand, and Jim Courier was quite a big guy and his double-hander was quite an unusual technique. It was almost like a baseball shot the way he batted the ball, but of course it was very successful.

Nowadays it is more about what feels most comfortable. A double-handed backhand (for a right-hander) is mainly controlled with the left hand, it is almost like a left-handed forehand. The racket takeback is controlled with the left hand for both types of forehand, but the closer you get to the point of contact the technique differs greatly. For a double-hander the left hand follows through and overtakes the right hand on the right shoulder, whereas for a single-handed player the left hand goes back and acts as a counter point to keep the balance.

In theory the slice should be better for single handers but, to be honest, at the top level there is no difference. Andy Murray’s sliced approach shot or backhand volley might not be quite as good as Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka or even Grigor Dimitrov's, but it is certainly not a weakness.

Another advantage of the single-handed backhand is that you have a bit more reach, but it is tougher on the return; you need a really strong core to maintain that balance and be able to return well. Most of the juniors coming through seem to be playing two-handed – the likes of Dimitrov and Dominic Thiem are rare as single handers.

It is really tough to say who should hit with one hand or two – ultimately it should be down to what an individual feels comfortable with. My father is a tennis coach and he tried to teach me to play two-handed but he quickly realised that I am a one-hander because I was too slow and my co-ordination wasn’t good enough at that age. Maybe I should have tried again at some point.

Sometimes it is simply down to how a player is taught, other times it is fate. I was teaching a young 13 or 14-year-old in Germany but he broke a bone in his left wrist in a mountain bike accident and had his arm in a cast. I suggested he tried playing with a single-handed backhand and he was really comfortable doing it from the start. It often happens that as a young player grows, their co-ordination changes and the left hand is not doing what it is supposed to, or the timing might be out.

I’ve had times when I’ve suggested a player switches to a one-handed backhand but we ended up changing back because we realised it wasn’t going to work. Making such a major change to your technique is best done at an early age. It is a big step because you don’t know if it is going to work or not. You cannot turn back time; it’s a risk but that is the beauty of the game – you never know the outcome in advance. It’s like playing the lottery.

Sometimes it can just click and the transition phase is very quick, for others it will take longer. But no matter what, it just takes repetition; hitting balls over and over again until it feels natural.

]]>Tue, 18 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000Barclays Ball Kids ready for O2 challengehttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/11/07/barclays-ball-kids-ready-for-o2-challenge
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/11/07/barclays-ball-kids-ready-for-o2-challengeOver 700 other hopefuls competed in regional and national trials to earn a spot at the event, where they will stand on court with the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

“Barclays Ball Kids is about giving young people with a passion for tennis a chance to learn new skills, meet new people and have an opportunity of a lifetime to appear on court with their heroes,” said David Wheldon, Barclays’ Managing Director of Brand, Reputation, Citizenship and Marketing.

“Each and every one of the final Barclays Ball Kids squad for 2014 really lives what we would call the true spirit of the game.”

The youngsters perfected their skills on an intensive five-day training camp last month, where under the watchful eye of head coach Mark Magrath they developed their agility, endurance, co-ordination, balance, speed, ball skills, teamwork and leadership.

The Barclays Fan Zone in the O2, open to non-ticketed members of the public, will feature a Ball Kids skills challenge where fans can see if they have what it takes to do their job. Younger fans who think they have the knack can register their interest for next year’s event.

]]>Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000Food for thought: running a marathonhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/29/food-for-thought-running-a-marathon
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/29/food-for-thought-running-a-marathon"Managing your nutrition throughout your training is essential to meet the growing energy needs as you increase your distance and to help avoid any injuries or illnesses that may de-rail your plans for race day," explains Brown. "During training you'll need to be consuming around 4-6g per kg of body weight of carbohydrate. This includes the fuel that you should be taking on while running around 30-60g of carbohydrate per hour - gels are really useful for this. As you get closer to your event your carbohydrate intake should go up from around 60% of your diet to around 80% in the three days immediately prior to the race.

"Make sure that you do your experimentation with diet and supplements (gels and sports drinks) during your training so that on the actual race day your body's familiar with your routine. This includes your marathon-eve dinner and breakfast on the day itself. Eating refined foods - white pasta, white rice, potatoes or bread the evening before your race and for breakfast on the day itself will help make sure your energy stores are fully topped up, and will help avoid any potential digestive problems that a fat or fibre rich meal could cause.

"During the race, make sure you know where the water stations are and make full use of them! You should have practiced your hydration strategy during your training so you should know when and how much you need, and when to supplement with electrolytes or a gel to keep your energy and electrolytes balanced."

Sarah Brown is principal of Good Food Works Nutritional Therapy. She has a particular interest in functional sports nutrition and digestive health, and provides personal consultations, coaching clients to reach their health goals by optimising their nutritional choices. She works in clinic at Pure Sports Medicine in south-west London.

]]>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000Judy Murray Launches Scotland Tennis Roadshowhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/17/judy-murray-launches-scotland-tennis-roadshow
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/17/judy-murray-launches-scotland-tennis-roadshowTennis on the Road kicked off in September and uses the same games that Judy taught her star sons Andy and Jamie when they were young. It follows on from her Set4Sport campaign launched in 2011 and continues her partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland.

“Tennis on the Road takes tennis around Scotland into places where there is little or no activity. Our aim is to grow the game by inspiring participation and developing the skills of those who will deliver it,” said Murray.

“We will train volunteers, parents and teachers to run simple fun sessions and pop up tournaments, but we will also run roadshows and coach workshops ourselves. I’m very excited about Tennis on the Road because we have an amazing opportunity to capitalise on Andy and Jamie’s success and really increase participation across the country.”

The Set4Sport coaching methods focus on the ABCs of sport: agility, balance and co-ordination. After kicking off on the Isle of Harris, which holds the most remote tennis court on the British Isles, the tour advanced to Cumbernauld, where there are no public tennis courts available. However, there are plans to build three floodlit courts at the Broadwood Leisure Centre, and 4,000 local children got a taste of tennis through the scheme.

“I’m a bit tied up with Strictly right now but my team are hard at work planning the next roadshow in November and I’ll be very hands on when my dancing cha-cha-challenge is over!” said Murray.

]]>Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100Ana Konjuh: Hot Stuffhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/06/ana-konjuh-hot-stuff
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/06/ana-konjuh-hot-stuff"I would be very surprised if she was not among the top 10 players in the world,” observed former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic in December 2012 after 14-year-old Ana Konjuh became the youngest girl to sweep the prestigious junior Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl titles. High praise indeed for the Croatian teenager, who won seven singles and two doubles titles on the junior circuit in 2012, often beating players nearly four years her senior.

....

Konjuh announced her arrival on the WTA Tour in style, claiming a shock win over top seed Roberta Vinci in Auckland, beating a player more than twice her age and almost 250 places higher than her in the rankings. Buoyed by her success in New Zealand, Konjuh qualified for the main draw of a Grand Slam at the first attempt, at the Australian Open, beating three higherranked players in qualifying before coming up against No.4 seed and eventual champion Li Na in the first round. In spite of her 6-2 6-0 defeat, Konjuh broke into the world’s top 200 for the first time.

...

As a qualifier at Wimbledon she beat world No.68 Marina Erakovic to win her first Grand Slam match, before becoming the youngest player to reach the third round of a major since Jelena Dokic in 1999 with victory over Yanina Wickmayer. Her run came to an end at the hands of Caroline Wozniacki, but in spite of her straight-sets defeat, she did enough to impress the former world No.1.

“She’s definitely someone to look out for in the future,” said Wozniacki. “I think she’s going to be very good. She has some very powerful groundstrokes and a huge serve. “Obviously the experience will come with the years. With experience you get to know as well when you’re in different positions on the court where to hit it, sometimes just to play it back in deep, and movement. I think she has a very good foundation in her game. I have no doubt that we’ll be hearing her name a lot in the future.”

]]>Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100Learning from defeathttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/01/learning-from-defeat
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/10/01/learning-from-defeatThe question is often asked how many Grand Slams might Andy Murray have won if he wasn’t playing in the same era as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – the three men who have dominated men’s tennis for the past decade. Without the trio, would Murray now have a healthy haul of major titles under his belt? Or, in fact, would the 27-year-old not have hit the same heights without the intense competition provided by his rivals? (A similar question could of course be asked of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – would they have achieved all they have without each other?)

Real tennis world champion Rob Fahey, widely regarded as the greatest player to ever play the sport, has experienced both sides of the coin during his remarkable career and believes competition is crucial to development.

“I had a little period where I was winning tournaments pretty comfortably and it was tough to stay motivated,” he said. “I didn’t always enter tournaments because I almost got a bit bored. At the end of the day winning is great but it’s the competition that is more fun.

“It definitely made me improve having better competition. An American guy Tim Chisholm had a stage of about 18 months where he was pretty consistently beating me, just because he was better than I was, but having somebody get past you does drive you to improve and by the end of that period I had improved quite a lot and I was beating him again. You really don’t know how good you have to be until somebody is beating you.”

Fortunately for Fahey, 46, he has not experienced too many losses in his stellar career. Last year was the first year since 1992 when he did not win an Open, a run that included three Grand Slams and a total of 42 titles at the US Open, Australian Open, French Open and British Open. Most impressively, though, has been his unbeaten streak at the World Championships.

In 2008 he became the first ever player to win eight successive World Championships and this year he successfully defended his title for the 11th time, an incredible run stretching back to 1994. But just as important as the many wins for the Australian have been the occasional losses, and the timing of them.

“It definitely helps to lose now and again to get your focus back, you need that kick in the pants every now and again as a reminder that you have to get on with it,” he explains. “But you have to time your losses right, you have to make sure they are not at the World Championships or one of the bigger Opens.

“Of course it’s sport, so somebody can always beat you. Losing is always a possibility but people used to think it was a freak result when I lost and I would be like ‘not really, there is two of us out there and only one of us can win’. That attitude can be a bit frustrating but the losses are good.”

Crucially for Fahey, at a time when he looks to be in the twilight of his career, he says he is not afraid of losing and does not lack the motivation to continue playing.

“It can be tough to bounce back, especially now I am in my 40s, it’s like what do I do from here? You need that loss to push you to the next level, if you don’t have that motivation then it is probably time to retire,” he said. “I enjoy the competition, I enjoy the fact that I am pushing boundaries on a sport and age front and I am enjoying seeing what a 46-year-old body can do. I am going to take it as far as I can.

“When you are younger you are looking ahead thinking I have a long career here and I don’t want to be losing all the time, whereas now I am glad I am out there and enjoying every match I play. I am still out there trying to win but if you don’t win then it’s not the end of the world, nobody looks at me anymore like ‘I can’t believe you lost’, it’s still amazing you are out there.”

]]>Wed, 01 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100Don’t Sweat It: The dangers of dehydrationhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/23/dont-sweat-it-the-dangers-of-dehydration
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/23/dont-sweat-it-the-dangers-of-dehydrationWhether you sweat, perspire or simply glow, it is your body’s way of regulating its temperature.

The hotter you get, the more you will sweat. In order to maintain a safe body temperature (around 37.6˚C) the body disperses heat by sweating. Approximately 75 per cent of the energy produced when we exercise is converted to heat and lost.

We are all biochemically individual, so we all sweat at different rates as we exercise. While it has been scientifically proven that men sweat more than women, there are other factors such as environmental temperature, humidity and body size that influence why some people will sweat more excessively and lose more fluids and electrolytes than others during the same intensity workout.

Playing tennis you will lose anywhere between 0.5 and three litres of fluid for each hour of play. Loss of fluids means that blood volume is reduced so it is less efficient at transporting energy and oxygen around the body. As a result, muscles don’t get the energy or the electrolytes they need to keep them firing so your speed and stamina will be impaired. The brain is also affected; your concentration levels will dip and your accuracy and reaction times will suffer. Even more critically, pressure is put on the cardiovascular system to try to pump blood around the body to meet the energy demands.

At some time you will have undoubtedly experienced some of the unpleasant symptoms of dehydration such as muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting or even diarrhoea.

However, if you find that you’ve stopped sweating and your skin is dry or clammy, but your body temperature is still high, then you’re in real trouble. It means that dehydration has reached dangerous levels and the body has to choose between sending fluids to muscles and organs or reducing its temperature by sweating. The body will divert fluids to the essential organs, meaning that it is unable to maintain temperature regulation. If this happens, you may experience the more serious symptoms of heat stroke, hallucinations, heat exhaustion and even circulatory collapse.

So how do you know if you’re dehydrated? By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated and may have lost up to two litres of water (equivalent to 1% of your body weight), at which point thermoregulation is already impaired. Don’t leave it until you’re thirsty to start drinking. The best measure of hydration is urine colour. If it is the colour of straw, your body is well hydrated. However, if it is a dark yellow, this is a sign of dehydration. Do bear in mind, though, that some supplements that contain B vitamins will make urine bright yellow regardless of your hydration levels.

Dehydration can also be calculated by changes in body weight. A loss of 2% in body weight can give rise to the symptoms of bloating, nausea and vomiting. If you are playing in hot weather or playing a long match, monitoring weight before and after a match can be a good indicator of your hydration status, which is useful in both rehydrating and for adapting a hydration strategy for future matches. For each kilogram of body weight lost you need to replace approximately 1.2 litres of fluid containing electrolytes.

Electrolytes are the ions that control fluid balance in and around our cells (by osmosis), as well as moderating energy levels and metabolism.

Sodium and chloride are the main electrolytes affected by fluid loss, but other significant ones are potassium, calcium and magnesium. For each litre of sweat lost we can lose as much as 500-1800 micrograms of sodium and between 700-2100 micrograms of chloride.

Sodium regulates fluid levels outside cells, while potassium moderates fluids inside cells, and magnesium is involved in muscle relaxation and regulating levels of the other electrolytes. Calcium works alongside magnesium to regulate muscle contraction. However, while magnesium and calcium are closely linked with muscle action, research shows it is low levels of sodium that is most often the cause of heat-induced muscle cramping.

Maintaining electrolyte levels is essential for peak performance, so replenishing those salts during exercise is essential, or symptoms of dehydration are likely to set in.

Drinking plain water throughout a long match could potentially make a bad situation worse. Drinking water could lead to further sodium depletion, so sports drinks containing electrolytes are a more sensible option. Alternatively, look for supplements (such as Elete, or High5 Zero) that contain a balanced amount of the essential minerals and can be added to water.

Coconut water is a great natural alternative for rehydration. Coconut waters such as Vita Coco contain 40mg of sodium, 66 mg of calcium, 40 mg of magnesium and 740 mg of potassium as well as a good allowance of carbohydrate (around 16.5g).

Your body is made up of more than 50% water, so staying hydrated is crucial, particularly during exercise. In order to maintain peak performance on court, make sure you keep those fluid levels topped up.

]]>Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100Are you being served?http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/16/are-you-being-served
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/16/are-you-being-servedIn June 2014 Australian Sam Stosur produced an entire game of aces during a grass court victory over American Christina McHale at the Aegon Classic. Known as one of the more effective servers, the former US Open champion demonstrated just that. It was the first time the WTA had captured such a feat on video in the women’s game and the clip was quickly promoted as that day’s ‘Hot Shot’ footage on leading sports websites.

“When I put myself in those positions to use my weapons and do the things that are going to win me matches, then I do well,” Stosur explains when talking about what she’s trying to achieve on serve. “The whole idea of what I want to do on court stems from me.The serve is a big part of that. One, because it starts the point; two, because I’ve got a good serve that can do damage. I can win points just off that.”

Players blessed with a powerful delivery are at a distinct advantage from the moment they step up to serve, but they will be the first to tell you that simply hoping to crack an ace every time you toss the ball up won’t get you very far. If you’ve got a big serve, it’s important to exploit your biggest asset; if it isn’t, then learn to make the most of what you’ve got and use the serve to set you up to be able to utilise your other strengths.

When talking gameplans, it’s important to be clear about the difference between strategy and tactics. Coaches will often interchange these words, but the two are singular entities. A strategy is your overall gameplan for a match, whereas tactics are the individual plays, or patterns of play, that happen during each point. Simply put, you may use a variety of tactics to implement your strategy.

For example, your strategy might be to use spin effectively to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm, which could comprise a number of different tactics. You could hit slice serves into the body on the first serve and attack any weak returns by chipping and charging. You might vary the spin on the second serve with slice and topspin and use the slice backhand during rallies to change pace or keep the ball low.

A decision regarding overall strategy should be based on three factors: environment (such as surface and weather), the opponent (what are their weaknesses?) and your own strengths. If a strategy does not take all three elements into account, it will invariably run into difficulties.

“I guess my best serve probably is my kick serve, so I think that’s kind of a bit null and void on the grass,” admits Stosur. “One of my best weapons is kind of taken away in a sense when I’m playing on grass, so it makes me need to work on the other serves that I can hit, but they’re not the ones I set out to use as much. “We change a little bit each time, but at the end of the day the matches are about me. I know that I’m an aggressive player and I want to impose my game on my opponent.”

When considering specific tactics, you must be clear about your intention. Do you want to attack, stay neutral or defend? If you are serving, you should be aiming to attack or at the very least stay neutral. The serve should be used to dominate the point from the start and help implement your gameplan. Unlike when returning, you choose how you want to try and play out the point.

A good strategy, and subsequently tactic, should be varied to avoid predictability and should also be flexible. So, for example, if one of your tactics is to slice wide on the deuce side more frequently to open up the court, it may prove fruitless if your opponent has a very big forehand. Instead of persevering with this particular tactic, perhaps look to see how else the slice could be used. If the player is very tall, for example, perhaps they move a little slower, therefore using the slice to the body might be a better option on the deuce court.

The flexibility of a strategy, and the tactics within it are key. Perhaps even more important than having a good gameplan is the ability to adapt on court. “I will only hit a serve that I feel comfortable with, something I have practised over and over again in training,” says South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, who boasts one of the biggest serves in the men’s game. “It starts with taking my time and not rushing so I feel like I am in control when I step up to the line to serve. From there it is about picking my spot on the first serve, being aggressive and hitting the target is key.

“On my second serve I have to trust myself and I will try to mix it up to keep my opponent on his toes so he doesn’t know what to expect. When it comes to choosing my tactics it just depends on what is going on when I am about to serve. I don’t have hundreds of options but I will always go with something I feel comfortable with.”

]]>Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100Get out of your slumphttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/09/get-out-of-your-slump
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/09/get-out-of-your-slumpWhether you’re a Grand Slam champion or play casually with friends, everyone experiences ups and downs on the tennis court.

There are times when everything just clicks, but maintaining peak performance from one week to the next is not easy, and even Novak Djokovic’s sensational start to 2011 had to come to an end at some point. For every winning streak comes an unwelcome decline, when nothing seems to go your way.

While many slumps are purely psychological; lack of confidence leads to poor results which creates a vicious circle that is hard to escape, there can often be other underlying problems.

Recognising the causes of a slump can be half the battle. Sometimes it can be physical or even technical. Think back to when the troubles started. Had you been ill or had any health issues? Physical problems may have triggered the dip in form, resulting in a lack of confidence, and consequently a downward spiral.

Likewise, changes to technique or equipment can trigger a decline in performance – but these are often temporary. Major changes to your game are best made out of competition when you have plenty of time to adapt.

If you suspect the root of the problem is technical, try reverting back to your old equipment or technique. If the change works well in training but not in matches, the chances are your problem is a mental one.

Sometimes a break can be all that is needed. Take a week off; don’t think about tennis and maybe even try out a different sport. A change of scenery will allow you to recharge your batteries and come back refreshed with a positive outlook.

Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. If things have got stale in training, mix it up a bit. We’re not talking big changes – don’t go meddling with your backhand grip, but a new fitness regime and some fresh drills can make a big difference. Perhaps you can even try training with different players to freshen up practice sessions.

If that doesn’t work, set short-term attainable goals, both on and off the court. Realistic goals that are both attainable and challenging will keep you motivated and help you build up confidence.

When you return to competition, aim low. Play at a lower level or arrange matches against lower-ranked competition to allow you to build up confidence. Winning can be as contagious as losing and getting back to winning ways – no matter who the opponent is – can often be enough to get you back on track.

Finally, stay positive. Try to remember what it felt like to win, and visualise how you did it. Believe in yourself and the winning ways will return, but be patient - it may take time.

"I was on a bad run, mentally I wasn't in the best place, but my tennis is never going to go away,” said Andy Murray after snapping a four-match losing streak following his 2011 Australian Open final defeat to Novak Djokovic. "I didn't feel at any stage in crisis, I just needed to snap out of the mental state I was in and I would come out stronger.”

Sport is all about being as good as you can be throughout each and every moment and having the concentration and confidence to use your skills to their full extent in spite of the pressure. This philosophy requires bravery, the bravery to control your fear and to play freely without the tension that fear imposes – to PlayBrave.”

]]>Tue, 09 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100The 53-year-old US Open ballboy with one leghttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/01/the-53-year-old-us-open-ballboy-with-one-leg
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/09/01/the-53-year-old-us-open-ballboy-with-one-legToday, however, the 53-year-old retired serviceman plays baseball, softball and even American football. During the current fortnight he has been playing his part in the US Open. Reed, who has a prosthetic leg, might seem the most unlikely of ballboys, but he is one of four retired military or police personnel who have been working alongside the youngsters on duty at Flushing Meadows.

It was three years ago that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) started inviting former military and police officers to act as ball persons at their flagship event. They are recruited via the USTA Foundation, which aims to bring tennis and education together.

As part of its work the Foundation supports military heroes and individuals with disabilities. The “military heroes” programme helps reintegrate former military personnel and their families into the community. Reed, who comes from North Carolina, has been joined at Flushing Meadows by Christopher Bustamante, who is a retired military officer, and two retired police officers, Arthur Leinbach and Kevin Kisch.(Above image from left to right: Christopher Bustamante, Todd Reed, Kevin Kisch, Arthur Leinbach).

It was in April 1991 that Reed’s life changed when he lost his foot while serving in Northern Iraq. He spent six weeks in hospital and was forced to retire from the military as a result of his injury. He then joined the police department in Arizona, where he served for 21 years. He retired recently.

“I have always been very athletic and I enjoy all sports,” he said “I have been a tennis fan for 30 years and it has been an absolutely amazing experience to be here. On Friday I got to work the Grandstand, when Victoria Azarenka was playing. When she was serving she would only take the balls from my corner.

"After the match, she was in the middle of the court doing an interview. At the end of the interview four of us were in one of the back corners until the players leave. She finished the interview and we made eye contact. She started walking towards us, walked up to me and said: ‘I had to come over here and tell you: ‘You are a trooper.’ She shook my hand. So that was great.”

Reed was a ballboy during Sam Groth’s first round match against Albert Ramos-Vinolas and then the Australian’s doubles against Jonathan Marray and Gilles Muller. “During the singles match Groth kept sweating and he wanted the towel after every point,” Reed said. “Even when he was not looking I went to get the towel. “One time he had his back to me, but I grabbed the towel and started running towards him. When he turned around, I was already there and he goes: ‘Thanks mate!’ He thanked me every time I handed him the towel.”

There have, however, been moments when things have not gone to plan. “A few times, when ball should have been down our end, I threw them to the other end and they threw them back,” Reed explained. “And once in a while you go to grab the ball and you miss it.

“The experience has been just incredible, amazing. It’s been so much fun, interacting with the kids. When we have our meetings, a lot of the kids have asked me about my military career, how I lost my foot. Some of them have asked me about my police career. They have been very warm. It’s fun to hang out with them and to think a 53-year-old guy would be a ball person, hanging out with kids in their teens and 20s and 30s.”

Reed sees similarities between his time in the military and the police and his time as a ballboy. “When you are out on the court, there has to be a lot of communication and it is all non-verbal,” he said. “It’s similar to some of the things I did as far as working with my squad. If you don't have the communication you are not going to accomplish the mission.”

Today is Labor Day in the United States. It is also Military Day at the US Open, when the tennis world will pay tribute to American servicemen and women. When Reed finishes his duties this week he will go home briefly before heading to San Antonio to play a game with the Wounded Warriors amputee American football team. Two days later he will travel to Wisconsin to play with the Wounded Warriors amputee softball team. He has played with the softball team for more than three years.

“We travel all over the country,” Reed said. “And we are going to Japan in October for a disabled baseball tournament.” Reed is philosophical about his injury, “I’ve been blessed in so many ways and my life has been enriched since my accident,” he said.

]]>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100Hot Stuff: Dominic Thiemhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/30/hot-stuff-dominic-thiem
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/30/hot-stuff-dominic-thiemHe is set to rise even higher following his victory over friend and hitting partner Ernests Gulbis at the US Open to reach the third round on his debut in New York.

“Both my parents are coaches,” Thiem explained in Paris, “they bought me to the courts at a very young age.” Speaking following his second-round defeat at the hands of Rafael Nadal, the 20-year-old Austrian was mindful of the opportunity that it had offered him to develop his game.

“It’s one of the biggest challenges in sport, especially for a young player like me it’s unbelievable experience and what you can take from the match is probably more important than every practice.”

The scoreline of 6-2 6-2 6-3 against Nadal, who went on to lift the Coupe Mousquetaires left Thiem in sanguine mood. “He [Rafa] doesn’t give you any presents, I had to play every point, my first serve was not strong enough, and I did not get any free points," he said. "He did not make any stupid mistakes, I think there were some good rallies and I had to make every point, he was running very well and that’s why he was the champion.”

Thiem may not have tested Rafa on this occasion but the then world No.1 recognised his talent. “[Dominic] will have his chances to become a top star and fight for these tournaments,” he said. “I think that he has huge potential and he could be one of the players who is going to replace us. His tennis style is really good. What he could work on is his footwork and how he moves on the court. That's all.”

Mats Merkel, who occasionally works with Thiem as part of the adidas player development programme says, “Dominic is a smart player who hits the ball very hard.”

]]>Sat, 30 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0100How your diet can help you beat injuryhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/26/how-your-diet-can-help-you-beat-injury
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/26/how-your-diet-can-help-you-beat-injuryIf you play tennis on a regular basis, you are probably well versed in the age-old treatment for a muscle sprain – rest, ice, compression and elevation. But did you know that the food you are eating could also help prevent muscle sprains, and speed up the healing process when injury does strike? Whether it’s a knee, calf, shoulder or back injury, most players have encountered injuries in one form or another. It might be a mild sprain or require surgery, but either way the body needs the right nutrients in order to recover.

Any player’s diet should include plenty of whole-grains, vegetables, fruit and lean protein to provide a wide range of nutrients, which are vital to maintain good health, offset oxidative stress and maintain strength. A good, balanced diet will hopefully help to avoid injury. But if you do find yourself sidelined, your diet can play a big part in your recovery. By understanding what your body is going through, you can learn what it needs to help it heal.

A common reaction to injury is to cut back on the number of calories consumed. After all, if you can’t train, you don’t need as much energy, right? Think again. Studies show that as the body heals it uses more energy to aid recovery, potentially increasing energy needs by 15%, and where bone breakages are concerned there may be a potential additional 20% increase in energy demand. This can mean that the calorific requirement may be more than anticipated, so think twice before cutting back – just make sure that all your calories come from nutrient-dense foods: fruit and vegetables, whole-grains and lean protein.

There is a natural cycle of activity that takes place to help the body through the four stages of recovery – the acute phase, followed by three stages of healing – inflammatory, proliferation and remodeling. Research shows that each of these stages benefits from a specific and appropriate intake of vitamins, minerals and amino acids (protein).

During the acute phase the body responds to the injury by increasing the flow of blood to the site of injury. This brings in immune antibodies, which can start to help the healing process, removing damaged tissue. This is why we often see reddening and swelling around an injury. This reaction quickly turns to the first stage of healing: inflammation, which can last for several days, depending on the injury. The immune response continues and fluid continues to collect in the area. This is a perfectly normal reaction, but if not moderated by the body, can slow down the healing process.

During the inflammation stage, pay attention to your fat intake. Saturated fats – those found in processed meats such as ham, bacon, salami, pate, plus baked goods such as cakes, biscuits, croissants – can increase the inflammatory state in the body so should be avoided. Instead focus on eating oily fish, avocado, olive oil and nuts and seeds, which are rich in omega-3 and unprocessed omega-6 fatty acids and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Adding spices into your diet can also provide anti-inflammatory compounds: turmeric, ginger, garlic and bromelain (found in pineapple) can all be positive aids.

After inflammation comes proliferation, which can last for several weeks. This is where the body starts to lay down the new tissue, collagen, to replace that damaged during the injury, whether skin, muscle or ligaments. During the proliferation stage, as well as maintaining the anti-inflammatory foods, make sure that you eat plenty of protein to help build new tissue. In order to enable the body to convert this protein into collagen you’ll need a good intake of vitamin C. Broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes and cabbage are all rich sources – better, in fact, than citrus fruits.

Other nutrients closely associated with collagen repair include vitamin A and zinc. Deficiency in either can result in slow tissue recovery. Sources of vitamin A include liver, cod liver oil, green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Zinc can be accessed from oysters, beef, liver, with small amounts in almonds, brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds.

Finally, the remodeling phase takes over, during which the new tissue created during proliferation is reinforced by fibroblast cells to build back the strength and stability that may have been missing during the earlier stages of recovery. Having worked hard to plan these nutrients into your diet, absorbing them is essential, so avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol as these can inhibit digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals. The human body possesses a remarkable ability to repair itself, but it needs the tools to do so. Eat the right diet, and you should be back on the court in no time.

]]>Tue, 26 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0100Is crowdfunding the future of tennis?http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/08/is-crowdfunding-the-future-of-tennis
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/08/is-crowdfunding-the-future-of-tennisFor players outside of the top 100, life on tour is a constant struggle as they try to balance prize money gains with the cost of travel, accommodation and coaching.

“Tennis is one of the most expensive sports,” says Pledge Sports chief executive Richard Pearson. “If you want to make it in tennis you have to be travelling round in tournaments that matter and there are two tournaments in the UK that really matter, the rest are Europe or Slams, a lot of Asian events are also becoming more prominent.”

Pearson believes crowdfunding has the potential to revolutionise sports funding for both athletes and sponsors. A relatively new phenomenon, crowdfunding involves individuals, fans or businesses helping fund projects.

US ski jumper Lindsey Van raised almost $21,000 from crowdfunding to get to the Sochi Winter Olympics. It took just six weeks for Irish tennis player James Cluskey to raise €13,080.00– 30% more than his target for his 'Road to Wimbledon 2014' campaign to help him fund flights, accommodation, training expenses, equipment and competition entries.

“Money is a serious struggle for me,” explained Cluskey on his campaign page. “Due to cuts in funding I can’t play the full schedule of events as I simply cannot afford to do so. My friends and family have been a massive support…but there is only so much they can help. I have to cover most of my training and competition expenses on my own, which leaves less time to focus on my training.”

Former British junior No.1 Marcus Willis is one of the latest players to sign up with Pledge Sports, with a view to raising £4,000 in a bid to qualify for the main draw of Wimbledon in 2015. Currently ranked No.352 having been No.962 at the start of last season, Willis has been playing on the Futures tour and picked up titles in Tipton and Edinburgh and pocketing $2,880 in prize money. However, with just 18 ranking points on offer for a Futures title, Willis needs to move onto the Challenger Tour in order to climb further up the rankings.

“The Futures events are often much closer together and so are more feasible to play in terms of the financial costs associated with travel, accommodation and coaching,” says Willis. “It is vital that I start to play Challengers so I can progress my game and my mental ability so that the Grand Slams do not seem such a great step up.”

A £10 donation would see the benefactor listed on Willis’ campaign page, while £25 would merit a mention on his Twitter account. Anyone making a £100 donation would receive a signed picture, £250 a personal tennis lesson.

“This is why I need you to help me raise more funding to be able to compete in these tougher events,” explains Willis on his fundraising page. “So this is why I created this campaign ‘Willis for Wimbledon’, for help to fund the higher-level tournaments to get my ranking and my ability ready for Wimbledon 2015.”

The benefits, though, are not just for the players, as Pearson explains: “Let’s say you’ve got a tennis player, he’s getting huge support and getting media coverage and all over social media, it’s perfect for grass roots businesses to get behind these guys, whether that is a corporate or a local business. Even a local shop getting behind these guys is good business to be supporting them.

“If somebody has a successful campaign it’s good for business and good for them, it’s great running a business knowing that you are really making a difference to people’s lives. We have probably about 20% of donations coming from commercial entities but that can be anything from small local businesses getting behind athletes to big corporations.”

While many of the projects on Pledge Sports are individuals from a host of sports including triathlon, equestrian and judo there are teams such as hockey, basketball and wheelchair rugby. But it is not just elite athletes who are turning to crowdfunding – Llandudno FC Under 10 football team are using Pledge Sports to raise money to compete in the International Football Tournament at Disneyland Paris next April.

“I believe in two or three years’ time this will be the normal for any club, they do fundraising now with a raffle or disco or whatever else, but this is transferring that online and amplifying the fundraising campaign,” says Pearson.

Since it started in March, Pledge Sports has raised €85,000 and after launching in the UK is about to roll out the first US-based projects in August, as well as offering projects across Europe.

]]>Fri, 08 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0100The key tips and tactics for doubles successhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/05/the-key-tips-and-tactics-for-doubles-success
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/08/05/the-key-tips-and-tactics-for-doubles-success“You have got to think fast,” says Britain’s No.1 ranked doubles player Dom Inglot. “With singles you can get into a bit of a rhythm, read the game, but doubles is quicker, you have got to react quickly.”

As singles players become more powerful, the doubles game has evolved too, and reaction speeds have become razor-sharp to cope with the pace – and net play, poaching and intercepting is more challenging than ever.

“Doubles has changed a lot from 20 or 30 years ago, now it is a lot more of a power game, the intricacies have gone out a bit,” admits former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Jamie Murray.

At the top level, the implementation of the sudden-death deuce (no advantage is played) and a super tiebreak (to 10 points) in place of a third set, have added a different dimension to the game. Where once serve and volley reigned, the focus now is on a big serve and hard return, and the emphasis is firmly on power. However, at club level, good doubles is still about solid percentage play, where consistency should be the foundation of a strategy, mixing in more aggressive and attacking plays as a variation.

The strategic principles of doubles are similar across all levels of play and all surfaces. However, to be successful at the highest level, these principles must be tailored to the surface and your opponents. First, play percentage tennis – stick at what you are good at and play ‘within yourself’.

“Most of the teams that I started to work with were taking too many risks and were doing too many variations and they were mastering nothing,” explains Louis Cayer, Head of High Performance Coaching and Doubles Leader at the LTA. “It is better to have a few variations that you master and can do day in, day out. Those who take too many risks and variations are often called shot makers; they are dangerous, they create upsets, but don’t win too many Slams.”

That said, variation can be your strongest weapon. While it is important to be solid and play consistently, being predictable can lead to trouble. As a partnership try to keep poaching and attempt different things, especially on key points. Keep your opponents guessing and do not just hit to weaknesses every time on a big point. Add variation through spin, pace and direction.

“A doubles partnership is a bit like a marriage,” said John Peers. “You have to get on with them and find a way to have fun even when it’s not fun.” In the case of game style, opposites attract. If you are a good returner, you should be seeking someone with a strong serve. “The ‘leftie-rightie’ is good as guys are always getting different looks on serve,” explains Jamie Murray when talking about his Australian partner Peers. But that is not the only reason the pair recently won an ATP title in Munich.

“We both have different strengths and weaknesses and together they match up well and we complement each other nicely, it’s good that one person is strong in one area and another person is strong in another area,” says Peers. “We help each other to lift both those areas and we combine well.”

Communication is key. As a rule it is better to speak too much rather than not enough. Make it a habit to say something positive after each point. “We talk all the time,” says 2011 Wimbledon women’s doubles champion Kveta Peschke of her partnership with Katarina Srebotnik. “Sometimes I will suggest something and sometimes Katarina.” “Sometimes we communicate verbally, sometimes with hand signals,” adds Srebotnik. “We have to be quick now because they cut it to 20 seconds between points. For doubles this is really hard because if I have a vision how I want to play this point I need to tell Kveta and this takes time.”

If you are playing with a new partner, take time to find out more about them and what level of communication they expect on court. Often personalities are exaggerated under pressure, so make sure you really know your partner before you head into a big match.

]]>Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0100Ask tennishead: The ball tosshttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/23/ask-tennishead-the-ball-toss
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/23/ask-tennishead-the-ball-tossIn every issue of tennishead magazine, we answer your burning questions. Whether it's about the pros or your own game; rules, tactics, technique, gear or any other advice, our team of experts is here to help. For your chance to win a great prize courtesy of online sports retailer ActivInstinct, email your questions to ask@tennishead.net

Some professionals have battled with their serves. The key to a good serve is a good ball toss. Is it more effective to throw the ball up via the fingers rather than from the palm of the hand?
Linda, via email

The ball toss is arguably the most important part of the serve, says South Africa Davis Cup and Fed Cup captain John-Laffnie de Jager. You need to be able to put the ball in a specific spot above your head every time you serve. To be an effective server you need to have a consistent ball toss. It is very important to hold the ball in your fingers and not in your palm. This will help you to control the ball better. The key is not to get any spin on the ball when you toss it, so the easiest way is to just open your hand when you release the ball.

Start with your arm down low and then raise it straight up. Release the ball when your hand is level with the top of your head by simply opening the hand up. After releasing the ball, continue to raise your arm until it is pointed straight up into the air. You want to toss the ball between one and two feet over your contact point, because that will give you enough time to execute the rest of your motion while the ball is in the air.

John-Laffnie de Jager is a member of the Global Professional Tennis Coach Association and GPTCA national president of South Africa.

]]>Wed, 23 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100Locker room: Jamie Murray and John Peershttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/20/locker-room-jamie-murray-and-john-peers
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/20/locker-room-jamie-murray-and-john-peersWhen did you first start playing together?

MURRAY: We started after the Australian Open last year. John came over to Europe and we played a few tournaments there, saw how it went and we decided to keep playing. Then from April to May we started to really hit it off and played a lot of good tournaments in the second half of the year, moved our rankings up and got a good platform for 2014.

How do you get on together off court and how important is that for a doubles team?

MURRAY: If you don’t like the guy you are playing with it’s tough to do things. At the end of the day it is business, but it’s a lot harder if you don’t like the person, you spend a lot of time with each other.

PEERS: It’s day in day out, it’s almost like a marriage, you see that much of them. You have to get on with them and find a way to have fun even when it’s not fun.

Speaking of fun, you both play golf – who has the best handicap?

PEERS: Jamie’s official handicap is better than mine. We try to play when we can but sometimes the time doesn’t allow it.

And as a doubles pairing how do your styles complement each other? Is the ‘leftie-rightie’ the ultimate combination?

MURRAY: The ‘leftie-rightie’ is good as guys are always getting different looks on serve. We are also quite different in the way we play which is also good – it’s always different things coming at the opponent, different ways to win points and for us it seems to have worked well over the last year.

PEERS: We both have different strengths and weaknesses and together they match up well and we complement each other nicely. It’s good that one person is strong in one area and another person is strong in another area.

As an individual what makes a good doubles player and what makes a good doubles pair?

MURRAY: Doubles has changed a lot from 20 or 30 years ago. Nowadays, it is a lot more of a power game, the intricacies have gone out a bit. It’s about big serving, big returning and guys can swing away from the baseline like they do in singles which makes it hard to volley because it’s tough to control the ball when it is coming that hard at you all the time. For a pairing, everyone has their own style; two good players don’t necessarily make a good team.

PEERS: It’s about matching up well together. You can have two good guys that play great tennis but together they don’t complement each other and that is the biggest factor in doubles.

MURRAY: If the energy is not right or the chemistry is not quite there then it’s probably not going to work.

Do you see the partnership sticking together going forward?

MURRAY: You see a lot of guys changing and thinking maybe the grass is greener but, the way I see it, the longer you play together with the same person the better the understanding and the stronger the team will get. It’s not always easy, of course you go through rough patches but it is always better to stick it out with the same guy rather than quit when the chips are down and look for something else. Maybe that works for a little while but in the long term I don’t think that’s the best option. We have a good team around us, we have a great coach in Louis Cayer who has helped us a lot and there is no reason why, if we keep working hard together, we won’t keep getting stronger and better as a team.

]]>Sun, 20 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100The importance of staying hydratedhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/14/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/14/the-importance-of-staying-hydratedWhether you sweat, perspire or simply glow, it is your body’s way of regulating its temperature. The hotter you get, the more you will sweat. In order to maintain a safe body temperature (around 37.6˚C) the body disperses heat by sweating. Approximately 75 per cent of the energy produced when we exercise is converted to heat and lost.

We are all biochemically individual, so we all sweat at different rates as we exercise. While it has been scientifically proven that men sweat more than women, there are other factors such as environmental temperature, humidity and body size that influence why some people will sweat more excessively and lose more fluids and electrolytes than others during the same intensity workout.

By playing tennis you will lose anywhere between 0.5 and three litres of fluid for each hour of play. Loss of fluids means that blood volume is reduced so it is less efficient at transporting energy and oxygen around the body. As a result, muscles don’t get the energy or the electrolytes they need to keep them firing so your speed and stamina will be impaired.

The brain is also affected; your concentration levels will dip and your accuracy and reaction times will suffer. Even more critically, pressure is put on the cardiovascular system to try to pump blood around the body to meet the energy demands. At some time you will have undoubtedly experienced some of the unpleasant symptoms of dehydration such as muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting or even diarrhoea. However, if you find that you’ve stopped sweating and your skin is dry or clammy, but your body temperature is still high, then you’re in real trouble. It means that dehydration has reached dangerous levels and the body has to choose between sending fluids to muscles and organs or reducing its temperature by sweating.

The body will divert fluids to the essential organs, meaning that it is unable to maintain temperature regulation. If this happens, you may experience the more serious symptoms of heat stroke, hallucinations, heat exhaustion and even circulatory collapse.

So how do you know if you’re dehydrated? By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated and may have lost up to two litres of water (equivalent to 1% of your body weight), at which point thermoregulation is already impaired. Don’t leave it until you’re thirsty to start drinking. The best measure of hydration is urine colour. If it is the colour of straw, your body is well hydrated. However, if it is a dark yellow, this is a sign of dehydration.

Do bear in mind, though, that some supplements that contain B vitamins will make urine bright yellow regardless of your hydration levels. Dehydration can also be calculated by changes in body weight. A loss of 2% in body weight can give rise to the symptoms of bloating, nausea and vomiting. If you are playing in hot weather or playing a long match, monitoring weight before and after a match can be a good indicator of your hydration status, which is useful in both rehydrating and for adapting a hydration strategy for future matches. For each kilogramme of body weight lost you need to replace approximately 1.2 litres of fluid containing electrolytes. Electrolytes are the ions that control fluid balance in and around our cells (by osmosis), as well as moderating energy levels and metabolism.

Sodium and chloride are the main electrolytes affected by fluid loss, but other significant ones are potassium, calcium and magnesium. For each litre of sweat lost we can lose as much as 500-1800 micrograms of sodium and between 700-2100 micrograms of chloride. Sodium regulates fluid levels outside cells, while potassium moderates fluids inside cells, and magnesium is involved in muscle relaxation and regulating levels of the other electrolytes. Calcium works alongside magnesium to regulate muscle contraction. However, while magnesium and calcium are closely linked with muscle action, research shows it is low levels of sodium that is most often the cause of heat-induced muscle cramping.

Maintaining electrolyte levels is essential for peak performance, so replenishing those salts during exercise is essential, or symptoms of dehydration are likely to set in. Drinking plain water throughout a long match could potentially make a bad situation worse. Drinking water could lead to further sodium depletion, so sports drinks containing electrolytes are a more sensible option.

Alternatively, look for supplements (such as Elete, or High5 Zero) that contain a balanced amount of the essential minerals and can be added to water. Coconut water is a great natural alternative for rehydration. Coconut waters such as Vita Coco contain 40mg of sodium, 66 mg of calcium, 40 mg of magnesium and 740 mg of potassium as well as a good allowance of carbohydrate (around 16.5g). Your body is made up of more than 50% water, so staying hydrated is crucial, particularly during exercise. In order to maintain peak performance on court, make sure you keep those fluid levels topped up.

]]>Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100Ivan Lendl: The Man Who Made Andy Murrayhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/09/ivan-lendl-the-man-who-made-andy-murray
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/09/ivan-lendl-the-man-who-made-andy-murrayNot his mum Judy, who has been with him since day one and has played an integral part throughout his career, nor the rest of his long-serving coaching team, but the man who he first met in a ‘rubbish’ Italian restaurant on Interstate 95 only a year and a half before.

Few would have predicted at the time that it would be a match made in heaven, but that’s exactly what it turned out to be. Perhaps a huge part of it, as Mark Hodgkinson explains in Ivan Lendl: The Man That Made Murray, is that Murray and Lendl had a lot in common.

As coach Darren Cahill, who first recommended Lendl to Murray, told Hodgkinson: “Ivan recognised that what he went through was eerily similar to what Andy went through, and so he wanted to help.” The story of the following 18 months and how Lendl didn’t just ‘make’ Murray a Grand Slam champion, but transform him into one, is a fascinating one. From the instant changing of Murray’s body language due to the respect Lendl commanded, to the Czech’s wicked sense of humour, Hodgkinson, with access to those closest to Murray as well as former players including Mats Wilander, Michael Chang and Pat Cash, gives an amazing insight into their relationship.

Equally as fascinating as the 18 months leading up to Murray’s Wimbledon victory is Lendl’s life story both on and off the court. Much of the book is devoted to telling Lendl’s tale and his life growing up behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia. Hodgkinson looks at why Lendl was a ‘monitored person’ by the StB – Czechoslovakia’s equivalent of the Soviet KGB – and how his mother, Olga Lendlova, a determined woman much like Judy Murray, would shape his approach to tennis and to life. Although he would not go on to win Wimbledon himself, the Czech would spend 220 weeks as world No.1, win eight Grand Slams and 22 Championship Series titles.

He would also be credited for being the first player to deliberately hit the ball at his opponent – ‘he would be looking to leave psychic bruises as well as raspberry-coloured welts’. When Murray took great delight from hitting Lendl at a charity match at Queen’s in 2013, Hodgkinson says the Brit was then ‘fully Lendl-ised’. A few weeks later the pair would be embracing on Centre Court as Murray ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s champion at SW19. And although Lendl would play down his role in the stunning success – ‘it’s about Andy, not me’ – there is little doubt that he had a huge part in making Murray a Wimbledon champion.

]]>Wed, 09 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100How to keep calm and carry on winninghttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/09/how-to-keep-calm-and-carry-on-winning
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/09/how-to-keep-calm-and-carry-on-winningNo matter how much effort you put in on the practice court, if you can’t deal with pre-match nerves, you might never fulfil your potential. Nerves can strike at any moment – during the warm-up or when serving for the match – and anxiety can affect players of all ages and abilities. It affects different people in different ways, but whether you feel nauseous, get ‘jelly-legs’ or have trouble breathing – the outcome on court is the same. Your heart starts pounding, your muscles start to tense and you have trouble concentrating on the task.

Pardon the pun, but try to relax – there are ways to deal with anxiety. During training, set exercises to get used to playing under pressure. Your serve is often the first stroke to buckle, so set drills that help you get used to executing under duress. Andy Murray uses an empty tin of balls as a target, or use cones to create zones. Set yourself a target of hitting five or 10 in a row and, if you miss, you start again.

"I think at the beginning of the tournament is when you have the most nerves,” American No.2 Sloane Stephens said recently. “Once you get going, you think [my opponent] has done well, you’re both playing well, so it’s good we are this deep in the tournament. But I think at the beginning of the tournament, first round, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, please don’t lose first round.’ You’re worried about a lot.”

On the day of a big match, don’t worry if you wake up with butterflies in your stomach. It’s adrenaline, which is released by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for ‘fight or flight’. Once you’re on court, this adrenaline will be put to good use.

Arrive at the club with plenty of time to prepare mentally and physically. If you’re running late that will only add to the stress. Make sure you warm up properly and focus on your stretching to take your mind off the match.

Finally, take time to visualise, or mentally rehearse for the match. Close your eyes, take deep breaths and imagine yourself playing well. This should help reduce any feeling of nerves. If anxiety strikes midway through a match, try to maintain your concentration. Focus on every shot, block out your surroundings and try to treat each point like a practice rally. Try to relax, and play like you’ve got nothing to lose – it’s amazing how much you will loosen up.

]]>Wed, 09 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100My Wimbledon: Judy Murrayhttp://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/06/my-wimbledon-judy-murray
http://www.tennishead.net/news/academy/2014/07/06/my-wimbledon-judy-murrayWhat is your first memory of Wimbledon? Watching it on TV with my mum. When Wimbledon was on we pretty much didn’t get fed for a fortnight, she just sat in front of the TV and was like ‘don’t speak to me, there’s salad and fruit’. She was an unbelievable cook but she never cooked anything during Wimbledon, you couldn’t get her off the sofa. That’s what I remember, Wimbledon is on and we had to fend for ourselves for two weeks.

When did you go to Wimbledon for the first time? When I was a student, we stood in the queue and managed to get some tickets, there was four of us and we were 19 or 20 the first time I went. I do remember getting Centre Court and we were sat behind one of the cameras but I can’t remember who I saw.

What is your clearest memory from last year? I hardly remember anything about the final, but I do remember that last game, bits of it, looking at the scoreboard thinking it’s 40-0, he’s serving and he has got three match points, he just needs a rocket serve not to come back and he has got it. But I have sat through enough matches and seen matches won from match point down and lost from match point up. In a flash it was deuce, I remember the net cord Novak [Djokovic] got to get the break point and I was thinking please don’t let this happen. But I can hardly remember anything about the match and I haven’t watched it since.

]]>Sun, 06 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100WinWin 30Fifteen tennis skirthttp://www.tennishead.net/news/win/2017/09/20/win-30fifteen-tennis-skirt
http://www.tennishead.net/news/win/2017/09/20/win-30fifteen-tennis-skirtWhen Emily Tonkin created the 30Fifteen brand she wanted to create high quality sportswear that not only looks good, but her mission was also to make it easy to wear.

The Kara pleated skirt, which has been added to the tennis range combines great looks with easy care.

The high waistband is flattering while the front seams make the skirt super comfortable. The built in ball shorts are not only useful but offer extra support and coverage.

Perhaps the best feature is that this lovely pleated skirt does not need any ironing – it looks good whether it’s just been washed or it’s fresh out of your kit bag. We love that.

The skirt, made in the USA was designed to be worn with the Kara Match Jacket, which with its ribbed baseball collar, raglan sleeves and ribbed cuffs and hem, is the perfect complement for the skirt when worn on a cooler day.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning the Kara pleated skirt from 30Fifteen, just answer this simple question. The first correct answer drawn after the closing date will receive this great piece of kit.

Where is the Kara pleated skirt made?

USA

China

Thailand

Closing date for entries is 31October 2017. No cash alternative will be provided. Tennishead terms and conditions apply.

This competition is no longer open for entries. The winner has been drawn from all the correct entries received by the